Question

An oxidizing agent always takes part in the reduction process while reducing agents always take part in the __________ process.

(A) Oxidation

(B) Reduction

(C) Catalytic

(D) Both A and B.

Answer 1

Oxidizing agent also called oxidant or oxidizer is a chemical species that has the ability to oxidize other substances and reduce itself.

Reducing agent is a chemical species that has the ability to reduce other substances and oxidize itself.

Complete step by step answer:

1. Oxidation: Oxidation is a loss of electrons during the reaction by the molecule, atom or ion.

-Oxidation is the process in which addition of electronegative atoms takes place.

-Oxidation is the process in which loss of hydrogen is involved.

-Oxidation is a reaction or process in which removal of electropositive elements occurs.

OR oxidation is the process in which addition of oxygen takes place.

2. Oxidizing agent: A substance which supplies oxygen or any other electronegative element.

-A substance which removes hydrogen or any other electropositive element.

OR A substance that has the ability to oxidize other substances and reduce itself.

3. Reduction: Reduction is an addition of electrons during the reaction by molecule, atom or ion.

-Reduction is the process in which addition of electropositive atoms takes place.

-Reduction is the process in which loss of oxygen is involved.

-Reduction is the reaction or process in which removal of electronegative elements occurs.

-Reduction is the process in which addition of oxygen takes place.

4. Reducing agent: A substance which supplies hydrogen or any other electropositive element.

-A substance which removes oxygen or any other electronegative element.

-A substance that has the ability to reduce other substances and oxidize itself.

From above all definitions and discussion about oxidation, oxidizing agent, reduction, reducing agent it was clear that,

An oxidizing agent is always take part in reduction process while reducing agent always take part in oxidation process

Hence the correct option is (A).

Note:

Common reducing agent: lithium aluminium hydride $LiAl{H_4}$, Sodium amalgam $Na - Hg$, Sodium borohydride $NaB{H_4}$

Common oxidizing agent: hydrogen peroxide ${H_2}{O_2}$ , Sulphuric acid ${H_2}S{O_4}$, Nitric acid $HN{O_3}$.