Which is an oxidizing agent in following reaction?
Fe(s) + Cu2+(aq) \(\to\) Fe2+(aq) + Cu(s)
Fe2+(aq)
Fe(s)
Cu2+(aq)
Cu(s)
Solution:
To identify the oxidizing agent, let’s analyze the redox changes in the reaction:
Reaction: Fe(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Fe2+(aq) + Cu(s)
• Fe(s) changes to Fe2+: it loses 2 electrons → oxidation
• Cu2+ changes to Cu(s): it gains 2 electrons → reduction
According to redox principles:
• The species that gets reduced is the oxidizing agent because it causes oxidation of the other.
• Since Cu2+ gains electrons and gets reduced, it acts as the oxidizing agent.