Question

How do you find an oxidizing agent?

Answer 1

Oxidizing agents are the agents that have a capability of oxidizing substances to give them oxygen. In other words, to accept their electrons. Oxidizing agents cause an increase in the oxidation state of the substance by making it lose electrons. Common oxidizing agents are oxygen hydrogen peroxide and the halogens.

Complete step by step answer:
Oxidizing agents are the species which oxidizes others or give oxygen to others but they itself get reduced.
For example,
$PbS+\underset{Oxidizing\,\,agent}{\mathop{4{{O}_{3}}}}\,\to PbS{{O}_{4}}+4{{O}_{2}}$
Oxidizing agents removed hydrogen form substances and cause oxidation of substances
For eg. $\text{C}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}}\text{C}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}\text{OH}\to \text{C}{{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}}\text{CH}{{\text{O}}^{-}}$
Here an oxidizing agent like potassium dichromate is required.
Oxidizing agents removes electrons from substances and cause oxidation of that substance and itself again electrons, for example:
$CuO+Mg\to \overset{Reduction\,by\,chain\,of\,{{e}^{-}}}{\mathop{Cu}}\,+\underset{Oxidation\,by\,loss\,of\,electrons}{\mathop{MgO}}\,$
In this example we can easily see that the magnesium is oxidized by the loss of electrons to oxygen and copper is gaining electrons so copper acts as a oxidizing agent here.
Some common examples of oxidizing agents
Halogens, Oxygen Hydrogen peroxide
Applications of oxidizing agents – Bleaching of fabrics, play vital roles in biological processes, purification of water, vulcanization of rubber, combustion of fuels involves use of oxidizing agents.

Note: The most electronegative element has more affinity towards the electron and hence greater oxidizing potential. Oxidizing agents have high oxidation states. Oxidizing agents normally exist in their highest possible oxidation states and therefore, have a strong tendency to gain electrons and undergo reduction elemental fluorine is said to be the strongest elemental oxidizing agent.