Question

Ca(s)+2hno3(aq)→ca(no3)2(aq)+h2(g) identify the oxidizing agent.

Answer 1

Nitric acid is an oxidizing agent in the given reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxidizing agents : Agents which oxidize other substance and itself gets reduced. These agents undergoes reduction reactions.

Reducing agents : Agents which reduces the other substance and itself gets oxidized. These agents undergoes reduction reactions.

In the given reaction;

`Ca(s)+2HNO_3(aq)\rightarrow Ca(NO_3)_2(aq)+H_2(g)`

Oxidizing agent in the above reaction is a nitric acid which oxidizes calcium metal into calcium ion
`Ca^(2+)`

`Ca\rightarrow Ca^(2+)+2e^-`

Here calcium atom is undergoing oxidation reaction which is the reaction in which an atom looses its electrons and its oxidation state increases.

Answer 2

To find for the oxidizing agent, first let us write the half reactions of this complete chemical reaction:

Ca = Ca2+ + 2e-
2 H+ + 2e- = H2

The oxidizing agent would be the substance of the element that is reduced. We know that an element is reduced when an electron is added to it. In this case, the element being reduced is H. Therefore the oxidizing agent is HNO3.

Answer:

HNO3