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Ch.4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution
Chapter 4, Problem 13

Identify the element that gets oxidized and the oxidizing agent in the reaction. (LO 4.19) (a) (b) (c) (d)

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insert step 1> Identify the chemical reaction involved in the problem. If the reaction is not provided, consider a hypothetical reaction for explanation purposes.
insert step 2> Assign oxidation numbers to each element in the reactants and products. This will help determine which elements undergo changes in oxidation state.
insert step 3> Identify the element that gets oxidized by finding the element whose oxidation number increases. This element loses electrons.
insert step 4> Identify the oxidizing agent, which is the substance that gets reduced (gains electrons) and causes the oxidation of another substance.
insert step 5> Verify your findings by ensuring that the total increase in oxidation numbers equals the total decrease, maintaining the balance of electrons in the reaction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation and reduction are chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons between substances. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction refers to the gain of electrons. In a redox reaction, one species is oxidized and another is reduced, which is essential for understanding how these reactions occur.
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Oxidizing Agent

An oxidizing agent is a substance that facilitates oxidation by accepting electrons from another species. It is itself reduced in the process. Identifying the oxidizing agent is crucial in redox reactions, as it helps to determine which element is undergoing oxidation and the overall electron flow in the reaction.
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Identifying Oxidation States

Oxidation states (or numbers) are assigned to elements in a compound to indicate their degree of oxidation or reduction. By analyzing the changes in oxidation states of the elements involved in a reaction, one can determine which element is oxidized (increased oxidation state) and which is reduced (decreased oxidation state). This is a fundamental step in identifying the oxidizing agent.
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