Question

Elements with more non-metallic character are good oxidizing agents and those with more electropositive character are good reducing agents. Explain.

Answer 1

• Reducing agents are those substances that oxide themselves and reduce other substances. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons.
• The tendency of an atom of an element to lose one or more electrons to form a positively charged ion is called electropositivity.
• Hence, the elements with more electropositive character are good reducing agents because they lose electrons easily.
• Oxidizing agents are those substances that reduce themselves and oxide other substances. Reduction refers to the gain of electrons.
• Non-metals are generally elements that have a tendency to gain electrons.
• Hence, the elements with more non-metallic character are good oxidizing agents.