Write the equation for the reaction of calcium and oxygen. Write the oxidation numbers for both the reactants and the products. What is the reducing agent and why?

2Ca + O2 ==> 2CaO

Here is how you do the oxidation numbers.
http://www.chemteam.info/Redox/Redox-Rules.html
The reducing agent is the one that is oxidized and oxidation is the loss of electrons. Post your answers for a check if you wish.

To determine the equation for the reaction of calcium and oxygen, we need to consider their oxidation numbers.

Calcium is an alkaline earth metal and is commonly found in its +2 oxidation state, which means it loses 2 electrons to achieve stability. Oxygen, on the other hand, usually has an oxidation number of -2, since it tends to gain 2 electrons to achieve stability.

Now, let's write the balanced equation for the reaction:

2Ca + O2 -> 2CaO

In this equation, calcium (Ca) is oxidized from 0 to +2, while oxygen (O) is reduced from 0 to -2. The reactant calcium has an oxidation number of 0 since it is in its elemental form, and it gets oxidized to +2 in calcium oxide (CaO). Oxygen, on the other hand, has an oxidation number of 0 in its elemental form, O2, and it gets reduced to -2 in calcium oxide (CaO).

When it comes to identifying the reducing agent, we need to consider the reactant that undergoes oxidation. In this case, calcium loses electrons and undergoes oxidation, so it is the reducing agent. The reducing agent is the species that donates electrons to another species (in this case, oxygen) and causes its reduction. Calcium (Ca) is the reducing agent in this reaction.

So, to recap:
Equation: 2Ca + O2 -> 2CaO
Oxidation numbers:
- Calcium: 0 (reactant) -> +2 (product)
- Oxygen: 0 (reactant) -> -2 (product)
Reducing agent: Calcium (Ca)