Question

What is the reducing agent in the following reaction? 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2

Answer 1

Na is the reducing agent since it is being oxidized

Answer 2

Answer: $Na$

Explanation:

Oxidation reaction : When there is a loss of electrons and thus an increase in oxidation number.

$M\rightarrow M^{n+}+ne^-$

Reduction reaction : when there is a gain of electrons and thus a decrease in oxidation number.

$M^{n+}+ne^-\rightarrow M$

Sodium metal has gone under oxidation, as its oxidation state is changing from 0 in $Na$ to +1 in $NaOH$

$H^+$ ion has gone under reduction, as its oxidation state is changing from +1 in $H^+$ to 0 in $H_2$

Those chemical agents which get oxidized itself and reduce others is called reducing agents. Thus $Na$ is a reducing agent here.