Consider the following equation H2O + 2Fe2+ + Cl2 ↔ 2Fe3+ + 2Cl- + H2O. Which behaves as an oxidizing agent?
- Fe2+
-
Cl2
- Fe3+
- Cl-
- H2O
The correct answer is: B
Explanation
- An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes oxidation by accepting electrons; therefore, it gets reduced. A reducing agent is a substance that causes reduction by losing electrons; therefore it gets oxidized.
- Common examples of oxidizing agents include halogens (such as chlorine and fluorine)