Tell for each of the following substances whether the...

Tell for each of the following substances whether the oxidation number increases or decreases in a redox reaction:
(a) An oxidizing agent
(b) A reducing agent
(c) A substance undergoing oxidation
(d) A substance undergoing reduction

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Key Concepts

Oxidation

Oxidation refers to the process where an atom, ion, or molecule loses electrons, which is typically indicated by an increase in its oxidation number. This process is paired with reduction in a redox reaction.

Reducing Agent

A reducing agent is a substance that causes reduction in another substance by donating electrons, and as a result, it is oxidized itself. This results in an increase in its oxidation number because it loses electrons.

Reduction

Reduction is the process in which an atom, ion, or molecule gains electrons, leading to a decrease in its oxidation number. It is the complementary process to oxidation in redox reactions.

Oxidation Number

The oxidation number is a bookkeeping tool used in redox reactions to keep track of electron transfer. It represents the apparent charge an atom would have if all bonds were completely ionic, and it provides insight into whether an atom has lost or gained electrons during a reaction.

Oxidizing Agent

An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes oxidation in another substance by accepting electrons, thereby becoming reduced itself. In the process, its oxidation number decreases as it gains electrons.

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