Question

Identify the reducing agent in the following reactions:

(a) 4NH₃ + 5O₂→ 4NO + 6H₂O 

(b) H₂O + F₂→ HF + HOF 

(c) Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂ 

(d) 2H₂ + O₂→ 2H₂O

Answer 1

Reducing agent: A reducing agent is an element that loses electrons. 

The reducing agent means to loose electrons; it is said to have been oxidized. 

The element which undergoes oxidation (gets oxidized) is called reducing agent. 

a) NH₃ is reducing agent 

4NH₃ + 5O₂→ 4NO + 6H₂O 

In the given reaction, nitrogen is oxidized to NO by gaining oxygen atom. Thus, NH₃ is reducing agent as it undergoes oxidation. 

b) F₂ is reducing agent 

H₂O + F₂→ HF + HOF 

In the given reaction, F₂ is oxidized to HOF by gaining hydrogen atom. Thus, F₂ is reducing agent as it undergoes oxidation.

(c) CO is reducing agent

Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂ 

In the given reaction, CO is oxidized to CO₂ by gaining oxygen atom. Thus, CO is reducing agent as it undergoes oxidation. 

(d) H₂ is reducing agent 

2H₂ + O₂→ 2H₂O 

In the given reaction, 2H₂ is oxidized to 2H₂O by gaining oxygen atom. Thus, 2H₂ is reducing agent as it undergoes oxidation.