Question

What is the reducing agent in the following reaction: 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO ?

O
Mg
Mg and O
Neither element

Answer 1

Mg.

Step-by-step explanation:

• The reducing agent is the agent that is oxidized (losses electrons).

• The oxidizing agent is the agent that is reduced (gains electrons).

For the mentioned reaction:

2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO.

Mg (oxid. no. = 0) is converted to MgO (oxid. no. of Mg = +2), which means that Mg losses 2 electrons and is oxidized.

So, the reducing agent is Mg.