Question

In this redox reaction, identify the oxidizing agent.
2Li + F2 → 2LiF

Answer 1

So what does the oxidizing agent do? It's the thing that oxidizes something else. So that means it must get reduced in the process. Remember, oxidation is gaining electrons and reduction is losing electrons. So looking at the periodic table we see that Lithium has one electron in its valence shell and Fluorine has 7. In order to reach a noble gas configuration, Fluorine just needs one and Lithium just needs to lose one. So there's a very likely chance that this will happen. Can you identify the oxidizing agent now?