Answer:
HNO3 is the oxidizing agent
Explanation:
Step 1:
The oxidizing agent is responsible to oxidize another. but itself undergoes a reduction .
Fe2S3:
Fe has an oxidation number of +3
S has an oxidation number of -2
HNO3:
O has an oxidation number of -2 ( we have 3 times O so this makes -6)
H has an oxidation number of +1
N has an oxidation number of +5
Fe(NO3)3
O has an oxidation number of -2 ( we have 3 times O so this makes -6)
Fe has an oxidation number of +3
Since NO3 has an oxidation number of -1; N has an oxidation number of +5
S alone has an oxidation number of 0
NO2:
O has an oxidation number of -2 (we have 2 times O, this makes -4)
N has an oxidation number of +4
Fe doesn't change from oxidation number. It stays +3
N goes from +5 to +4 → this is a reduction
S goes from -2 to 0 → this is an oxidation
The reducing agent is the compound that contributes the oxidized species (S).
The oxidizing agent contributes the reducing species (N)
The answer is HNO3
