Question

What does the reducing agent do in a redox reaction? (A.P.E.X)

Answer 1

Answer:

The reducing agent donates electron to the oxidizing agent and gets oxidized itself

Explanation:

In an oxidation-reduction reaction, also known as REDOX reaction, one of the reactants is called OXIDIZING AGENT while the other is called REDUCING AGENT. The reducing agent is called so because it reduces another substance in the reaction.

It reduces another atom/ion by donating electrons to that atom, hence, getting oxidized itself in the process. For example, in the following reaction:

H2 + F2 → 2HF

Fluorine is getting oxidized from -2 to 0 by donating electrons to H and reducing it from +2 to 0.