Question

Using the following reaction:

2KMnO4+5KNO2 + 3H2SO4 -> 2MnSO4+3H2O +5KNO3 + K2SO
What is the Oxidizing agent and the reducing agent?

Answer 1

Mn is the oxidizing agent.

N is the reducing agent.

Step-by-step explanation:

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In this case, according to the undergoing chemical reaction, it is seen that the manganese in KMnO4 has an oxidation state of 7+, in MnSO4 of 2+ and nitrogen in KNO2 is 3+ and in KNO3 is 5+; thus we have the following half-reactions:

`Mn^(7+)+5e^-\rightarrow Mn^(2+)\\\\N^(3+)\rightarrow N^(5+)+2e^-`

Thus, since manganese is undergoing a decrease in the oxidation state, we infer it is the oxidizing agent whereas nitrogen, undergoing an increase in the oxidation state is the reducing agent.

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