In each of the following, tell whether the substance gains electrons or loses electrons in a redox reaction:a. An oxidizing agentb. A reducing agentc. A substance undergoing oxidationd. A substance undergoing reduction

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the role of an oxidizing agent in a redox reaction: An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes another substance to oxidize, and in the process, it gains electrons.
2. Identify the role of a reducing agent in a redox reaction: A reducing agent is a substance that causes another substance to reduce, and in the process, it loses electrons.
3. Understand what happens to a substance undergoing oxidation: Oxidation involves the loss of electrons by a substance.
4. Understand what happens to a substance undergoing reduction: Reduction involves the gain of electrons by a substance.
5. Summarize the electron transfer: In a redox reaction, the oxidizing agent gains electrons, the reducing agent loses electrons, the substance undergoing oxidation loses electrons, and the substance undergoing reduction gains electrons.

Key Concepts

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions, short for reduction-oxidation reactions, involve the transfer of electrons between substances. In these reactions, one substance is oxidized (loses electrons) while another is reduced (gains electrons). Understanding the flow of electrons is crucial for identifying the roles of different substances in the reaction.

Oxidizing Agent

An oxidizing agent is a substance that facilitates oxidation in another substance by accepting electrons. This means that the oxidizing agent itself is reduced in the process. Recognizing the role of oxidizing agents is essential for determining which substances gain electrons during redox reactions.

Reducing Agent

A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, causing that substance to be reduced. In this process, the reducing agent itself is oxidized. Identifying reducing agents is important for understanding which substances lose electrons in redox reactions.