Question

Determine the oxidizing agent in the following reaction. Mg(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

A) Mg B) H C) Cl D) N/A

I KNOW THE ANSWER IS H, BUT PLEASE EXPLAIN IN GREAT DETAIL HOW YOU KNOW AND HOW YOU GET TO THAT RESULT !!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

answer : B) H

Mg(s) + 2 HCl(aq) --------------> MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

in reactant side :

Oxidation state of Mg = 0       

oxidation state of H in HCl = +1  

in product side :   

oxidation state of Mg in MgCl2 = +2

oxidation state of H in H2 = 0

here Mg is oxidized from 0 to +2. so this is reducing agent

H is reduced from +1 to 0 . so this is oxidizing agent

the species which is being oxidized , is called reducing agent.

the species which is being reduced , is called oxidizing agent.