In the reaction: #2H_2(g) + O_2(g) -> 2H_2O(g)#, what is the oxidizing agent?

1 Answer
anor277
May 9, 2016

The oxidizing agent is elemental oxygen.

Explanation:

And of course, the reducing agent is elemental hydrogen. Redox reactions may be formalized by notions of electron transfer, and assignment of oxidation states.

Elemental oxygen goes from oxidation state #0# to #-II#, and is therefore REDUCED; it formally gains electrons. Elemental hydrogen goes from oxidation state #0# to #+I#; it formally loses electrons, and is therefore OXIDIZED.

Related questions
See all questions in Oxidation and Reduction Reactions
Impact of this question
3909 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License