Question

HBr + H₂SO₄ SO₂ + Br₂ + H₂O whats the oxidizing agent and whats the reducing agent?

Answer 1

Answer: Sulfur is the oxidizing agent and bromine is the reducing agent.

Explanation:

Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. Here, oxidation state of the atom increases.

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

Reducing agents are defined as the agents which reduces the other substance and itself gets oxidized. These agents undergoes reduction reactions.

Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom gains electrons. Here, the oxidation state of the atom decreases.

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

Oxidizing agents are defined as the agents which oxidize other substance and itself gets reduced. These agents undergoes reduction reactions.

For the given chemical reaction:

$2HBr+H_2SO_4\rightarrow SO_2+Br_2+2H_2O$

The half reactions for the above reaction are:

Oxidation half reaction:  $2Br^-\rightarrow Br_2+2e^-$

Reduction half reaction:  $S^{+6}+2e^-\rightarrow S^{+4}$

From the above reactions, bromine is loosing its electrons. Thus, it is getting oxidized and is considered as a reducing agent.

Sulfur is gaining electrons and thus is getting reduced and is considered as an oxidizing agent.

Hence, sulfur is the oxidizing agent and bromine is the reducing agent.

Answer 2

Answer:

HBr + H₂SO₄ → SO₂ + Br₂ + H₂O An oxidizing agent is a substance that itself becomes reduced and oxidizes the other chemical species in the reaction mixture. A reducing agent is similar, except that it becomes oxidized and reduces the other substance. In the reaction, the valency of bromine changes from -1 to 0, so it is oxidized

Explanation: