Question

Identify the oxidizing and reducing agents in this reaction: Cr2O3(s) + 2Al(s) 2Cr(s) + Al2O3(s)

Answer 1

In this reaction, Cr2O3 is the oxidizing agent which will oxidize Al to Al2O3.

Al is the reducing agent that will reduce Cr2O3 to Cr.

An oxidizing agent has the property of oxidizing another molecule (giving it one or more oxygen atoms) by being reduced.

A reducing agent has the property of reducing another molecule (by removing one or more oxygen molecules) by being oxidized.

Answer 2

Cr2O3+ 2Al -----------> 2Cr+ Al2O3

Cr2O3--------2Cr.
( oxidation no. of cr +3 to +1 means hain of electron so it act as oxidizing agent)

similarly,

2Al------> Al2O3
( oxidation no. of Al +1 to +3 means loss of electron so it act as reducing agent)