what element behaves as tghe oxidizing agent in the following equation and what element behaves as the reducing agent? sn2+ + 2Ag------> sn + 2 Ag+
Reducing agent loses electrons.
Oxidizing agent gains electrons.
To determine which element behaves as the oxidizing agent and which one behaves as the reducing agent, we need to compare the oxidation numbers of the elements before and after the reaction.
In the given equation:
Sn2+ + 2Ag → Sn + 2Ag+
The oxidation state of Sn (tin) changes from +2 to 0, which means it is gaining electrons and undergoing reduction. Therefore, Sn2+ behaves as the reducing agent, as it causes the reduction of Ag+ to Ag.
On the other hand, the oxidation state of Ag (silver) changes from 0 to +1, which means it is losing electrons and undergoing oxidation. Therefore, Ag behaves as the oxidizing agent, as it causes the oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn.
In summary:
Oxidizing Agent: Ag (silver)
Reducing Agent: Sn2+ (tin)
To identify the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent in a chemical reaction, you need to determine the change in oxidation states of the elements involved in the reaction.
In the equation: Sn2+ + 2Ag → Sn + 2Ag+, the oxidation states (charges) of the elements involved are as follows:
Sn2+ + 2Ag → Sn + 2Ag+
The oxidation state of tin (Sn) goes from +2 to 0, while the oxidation state of silver (Ag) changes from 0 to +1.
To identify the oxidizing agent and reducing agent, consider the decrease or increase in oxidation states. The element that undergoes oxidation loses electrons and is thus the reducing agent, while the element that undergoes reduction gains electrons and is the oxidizing agent.
In this equation, tin (Sn) is oxidized from an oxidation state of +2 to 0, meaning it loses electrons. Therefore, tin (Sn) is undergoing oxidation and acts as the reducing agent.
Silver (Ag), on the other hand, is reduced from an oxidation state of 0 to +1, indicating it gains electrons. As a result, silver (Ag) is undergoing reduction and acts as the oxidizing agent.
In summary:
- The oxidizing agent is silver (Ag).
- The reducing agent is tin (Sn).