Question

Which substance is the oxidizing agent in this reaction? 2CuO+C→2Cu+CO2 Express your answer as a chemical formula.

Answer 1

CuO, Cu+2 ions are reduced to 0
The oxidation state of an uncombined element is zero
C is oxidised from 0 to +4
Oxidising agents give oxygen to another substance or remove hydrogen from it.

Answer 2

\[2CuO+C\longrightarrow2Cu+CO_2\]Reactions\[Cu^{+2}+2e^-\longrightarrow Cu^0\]\[C^0\longrightarrow C^{+4}+4e^-\]Therefore the Cu is reduced and the C is oxidised, the oxidizing agent is the elements that reduce, then the answer is, The oxidizing agent is Cu