3. identify the oxidizing agent in each of the fol-
lowing reactions.
a) cu2+ (aq) + mg(s) + cu(s) + mg2+(aq)
b) fe, o3(s) + 3co(g) → 2fe(1) + 3co,(g)

Cu

Fe

Explanation:

Oxidizing agents:

Oxidizing agents oxidize the other elements and itself gets reduced.

Reducing agents:

Reducing agents reduced the other element are it self gets oxidized.

Oxidation:

Oxidation involve the removal of electrons and oxidation state of atom of an element is increased.

Reduction:

Reduction involve the gain of electron and oxidation number is decreased.

a) Cu²⁺ (aq) + Mg(s) + Cu(s) + Mg²⁺(aq)

Copper is oxidizing agent it accept two electrons from magnesium and oxidize the Mg and itself get reduced.

b) Fe₂O₃(s) + 3CO(g) → 2Fe(l) + 3CO₂(g)

In this reaction iron is oxidizing agent because iron itself reduced from +3 to 0.