Which phrase describes an oxidizing agent?

a substance that provides oxygen in a reaction a substance that provides oxygen in a reaction a substance that provides electrons to other substances a substance that provides electrons to other substances a substance that gains an electron in a reaction a substance that gains an electron in a reaction a substance that reacts with oxygen

a substance that provides oxygen in a reaction

The phrase that describes an oxidizing agent is "a substance that provides oxygen in a reaction."

The phrase that describes an oxidizing agent is "a substance that provides electrons to other substances."

To understand why this phrase is the correct description, let's break it down step by step:

1. An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes oxidation in another substance.
2. Oxidation is the process in which a substance loses electrons.
3. Therefore, an oxidizing agent must be able to accept or take away electrons from another substance.
4. By accepting or taking away electrons from another substance, the oxidizing agent itself becomes reduced.

So, an oxidizing agent is indeed a substance that provides electrons to other substances, allowing those substances to undergo oxidation.