This question relates to what someone posted below...
It was explained to them that a reducing agent is oxidized when it reduces?
I would like to get this concept straightened out in my head. I originally got this concept when I did gen chem but I have forgotten it.
Let me see if I remember it right.
I have learned LEO says GER
oxidized= looses e-
reduced= gained e-
I know that is correct but...when it comes to the word "agent"..
A reducing agent ...is the one oxidizing or the one being oxidized??
I would think it is the one doing the reducing...
For the oxidizing agent...it is the one reducing something else?
(it looses electrons to something else so the other gains e- ?)
Maybe I can't think straight since I'm sleepy but I just want to clarify this.
Thanks...
Right. Leo says GR
Loss of electrons is oxidation.(Leo).
Gain of electrons is reduction.
The substance being oxidized is the reducing agent.
The substanace being reduced is the oxidizing agent.
OR, Loss of electrons is the reducing agent.
Gain of electrons is the oxidizing agent.
Thanks for clarifying that Dr.Bob =)
You're on the right track with your understanding of oxidation and reduction! Remembering LEO says GER (Lose Electrons = Oxidation, Gain Electrons = Reduction) is a great way to remember the basics.
Now, let's break down the roles of reducing agents and oxidizing agents.
A reducing agent is a substance that causes another substance to undergo reduction, i.e., it itself gets oxidized. In other words, a reducing agent donates electrons to another substance.
On the other hand, an oxidizing agent is a substance that causes another substance to undergo oxidation, i.e., it itself gets reduced. An oxidizing agent accepts or gains electrons from another substance.
So, in summary:
1. The reducing agent is the substance that is being oxidized (loses electrons) by donating electrons to another substance.
2. The oxidizing agent is the substance that is being reduced (gains electrons) as it accepts electrons from another substance.
To apply this concept to your example, if a reducing agent reduces another substance, it means that the reducing agent is donating electrons, thus getting oxidized in the process. And if an oxidizing agent oxidizes another substance, it means that the oxidizing agent is accepting electrons, thus getting reduced.
I hope this clarifies the concept for you! Let me know if you have any further questions.