Question

What is the reducing agent in the following reaction?

2 Bi3+ + 3 Mg → 2 Bi + 3 Mg2+

Bi3+ ; Mg ; Mg²⁺  or Bi ?

Answer 1

Answer : - Mg

Mg is the reducing agent. As it giving electrons to reduce the Bi⁺³ to Bi.

i.e., by losing electrons Mg become as Mg⁺².

Reducing agent : It is the compound or element which loses or donates electrons to other chemical species in a redox reaction i.e., the ability that has to reduce the other substances. Then that element said to have been oxidized. ( losing of electrons is called oxidized )

3 Mg ------------> 3 Mg⁺² + 6e^-

Oxidizing agent : It is the compound or element which gains or accept electrons from other chemical species in a redox reaction. That element said to have been reduced.

2 Bi⁺³ +6e^- -----------------> 2 Bi