Identify the oxidizing agent in the reaction: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O. (2023)

Identify the oxidizing agent in the reaction: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O. (2023)

Step 1: Look at the reaction: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O.
Step 2: Identify the substances involved: H2 (hydrogen) and O2 (oxygen).
Step 3: Determine what happens to each substance during the reaction.
Step 4: Notice that H2 is turning into H2O, which means it is losing electrons.
Step 5: Recognize that O2 is turning into H2O, which means it is gaining electrons.
Step 6: Understand that the substance that gains electrons is called the oxidizing agent.
Step 7: Conclude that O2 is the oxidizing agent because it gains electrons and is reduced to H2O.

Oxidizing Agent – An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction, causing another substance to be oxidized.
Reduction and Oxidation – Reduction refers to the gain of electrons, while oxidation refers to the loss of electrons in a chemical reaction.