Question

Which substance is the oxidizing agent in the reaction 2CuO+C→2Cu+CO2 ? Express your answer as a chemical formula.

Answer 1

The chemical reaction is:

2CuO+C→2Cu+CO2 

The oxidizing agent is the one that is being reduced which is copper from a charge of +2 to a neutral charge or zero. The opposite is called the reducing agent which is carbon for this case.

Answer 2

Answer: The oxidizing agent in the given reaction is copper.

Explanation:

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

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

Reducing agents are the agents that reduces the other substance and itself gets oxidized. They undergoes reduction reactions.

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

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

Oxidizing agents are the agents that oxidizes the other substance and itself gets reduced. These agents undergoes reduction reactions.

For the given chemical reaction:

$2CuO+C\rightarrow 2Cu+CO_2$

The half reactions for the above reaction are:

Oxidation half reaction:  $C\rightarrow C^{4+}+4e^-$

Reduction half reaction:  $2Cu^{2+}(aq.)+4e^-\rightarrow 2Cu(s)$

From the above reactions, copper is gaining electrons and thus is getting reduced and is considered as an oxidizing agent.

Carbon is loosing its electrons. Thus, it is getting oxidized and is considered as a reducing agent.

Hence, the oxidizing agent in the given reaction is copper.