Complet and balance the following equation.

F2 (g) + HCI (g) == ??
Which element or ion is oxidized and which one is reduced? Which one is the oxidizing agent and which is the reducing agent?

F2 + 2HCl ==> Cl2 + 2HF

oxidation is the loss of electrons.
Reduction is the gain of electrons.

To balance the equation F2 (g) + HCl (g) == ??, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the arrow.

The balanced equation is: F2 (g) + 2HCl (g) == 2HF (g) + Cl2 (g)

In this reaction, the fluorine (F2) is reduced, and the chlorine (Cl2) is oxidized.

- Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, so the element or ion that loses electrons is oxidized. In this case, F2 gains electrons and undergoes a reduction reaction.
- Reduction involves the gain of electrons, so the element or ion that gains electrons is reduced. In this case, Cl2 loses electrons and undergoes an oxidation reaction.

Hence, fluorine (F2) is reduced, and chlorine (Cl2) is oxidized.

- Reducing agents are substances that cause another species to be reduced by donating electrons. In this case, HCl acts as the reducing agent because it donates electrons to F2, allowing it to be reduced.
- Oxidizing agents are substances that cause another species to be oxidized by accepting electrons. In this case, F2 acts as the oxidizing agent because it accepts electrons from HCl, causing it to be oxidized.

So, HCl is the reducing agent, and F2 is the oxidizing agent.