During a redox reaction, what happens to a reducing agent?

• A. It gains electrons and is reduced.
• B. It remains unchanged.
• C. It loses electrons and is oxidized.
• D. It acts as an oxidizing agent.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of a reducing agent in a redox reaction: a reducing agent donates electrons to another species.
2. Recall that when a species donates electrons, it loses electrons and undergoes oxidation.
3. Recognize that the reducing agent itself is oxidized because it loses electrons during the reaction.
4. Note that the species receiving the electrons is reduced, but this is not the reducing agent's role.
5. Conclude that the reducing agent loses electrons and is oxidized, which matches the correct answer.