Which substance is the oxidizing agent in the following reaction? 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O

O₂

Explanation:

When we create H₂O, the electrons tend to be shared by oxygen. The hydrogen bonds with the oxygen covalently, but the electrons tend to stay with the oxygen longer rather than near the hydrogens.

you need to take a look at the periodic system in order to sort these elements into pairs that would most likely exhibit similar chemical properties. first, you need to find elements that are found in the same group (groups are vertical in the periodic system), and then to see whether they have the same valence number. if they meet these criteria, they will have similar properties.

the first pair: ne (neon) and kr (krypton), are noble gases found in group 8

the second pair: li (lithium) and k (potassium), found in group 1

the third pair: s (sulfur) and te (tellurium), found in group 6