Question

Identify the oxidizing agent (oxidant) in the following reactions
A.$P{b_3}{O_4} + 8HCl\xrightarrow{{}}3PbC{l_2} + C{l_2} + 4{H_2}O$
B.$Mg + 2{H_2}O \to Mg{\left( {OH} \right)_2} + {H_2}$
C.$CuS{O_4} + Zn\xrightarrow{{}}Cu + ZnS{O_4}$
D.${V_2}{O_5} + 5Ca \to 2V + 5CaO$

Answer 1

We can define redox reactions as chemical reactions in which transfer of electrons takes place between two reactants. We can identify the transfer of electrons by observing the change in oxidation states of the species that are reacting. Batteries (or) electrochemical cells are the examples of redox reactions.

Complete step by step answer:

We can define oxidation reactions as loss of electrons from a substance.
Similarly, reduction reactions are defined as gain of electrons.
Oxidizing agents are that species (molecule/ion) that accepts electrons and reducing agents are species (molecule/ion) that donates electrons. A substance that is oxidized acts as a reducing agent and substance that is reduced acts as an oxidizing agent.
An oxidizing agent (or) an oxidant is a chemical species, which has a tendency to oxidize other substances, it leads to an increase in the oxidation state of the substance by losing electrons.
(a)
In the reaction, $P{b_3}{O_4} + 8HCl\xrightarrow{{}}3PbC{l_2} + C{l_2} + 4{H_2}O$ we can see that $P{b_3}{O_4}$ is reduced to $PbC{l_2}$ and it oxidized $HCl$ to $C{l_2}$. So, the oxidizing agent is $P{b_3}{O_4}$.
(b)
In the reaction, $Mg + 2{H_2}O \to Mg{\left( {OH} \right)_2} + {H_2}$ we can see that $Mg$ is oxidized to $Mg{\left( {OH} \right)_2}$. Therefore, the oxidizing agent is ${H_2}O$.
(c)
In the reaction, $CuS{O_4} + Zn\xrightarrow{{}}Cu + ZnS{O_4}$ we can see that $Zn$ is oxidized to $ZnS{O_4}$. Therefore, the oxidizing agent is $CuS{O_4}$.
(d)
In the reaction, ${V_2}{O_5} + 5Ca \to 2V + 5CaO$ we can see that $Ca$ is oxidized to $CaO$.
Therefore, the oxidizing agent is ${V_2}{O_5}$.

Note:
Now we can see some of the common examples of oxidizing agents are oxygen, halogens and hydrogen peroxide. Some of the industrial applications of oxidizing agents are,
Bleaching of fabrics
Combustion of fuel includes the use of oxidizing agents.
Energy storage in batteries.
Water purification.
Rubber vulcanization.
Used in biological processes like photosynthesis and metabolism.