Question

A substance which oxidizes itself and reduces other is known as

• A. oxidising agent
• B. reducing agent
• C. both (1) and (2)
• D. none of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

reducing agent

Explanation for correct option:

(B):

• The substances that have tendency to reduce others and get oxidized by themselves are known as reducing agents. For example:
• $\underset{\left(\mathrm{Hydrogen}\mathrm{sulfide}\right)}{{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)}+\underset{\left(\mathrm{Chlorine}\right)}{{\mathrm{Cl}}_2(\mathrm{g}})\to \underset{\left(\mathrm{Sulfur}\right)}{\mathrm{S}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\left(\mathrm{Hydrogen}\mathrm{chloride}\right)}{2\mathrm{HCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)}$
• In the above reaction, ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}$ reduces ${\mathrm{Cl}}_2$ and itself gets oxidized thus, ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}$ acts as a reducing agent in the reaction.

Explanation for incorrect option:

(A): The substances which have the ability to oxidize others and get reduced by themselves are known as oxidizing agents.

Final answer:

Hence, option (B) is correct.