Question

Explain briefly Metals are good reducing agents while non-metals are good oxidizing agents.

Answer 1

Metals are good reducing agent as metals lose electrons present in their outermost shell.

for e.g Magnesium loses 2 electron to form magnesium ions

Mg(s) → Mg²⁺(aq) + 2e^-

Non-Metals are good Oxidising agents as non metal gain electrons from other species.

e.g Cl₂ (g) + 2 e^- → 2Cl^-(aq)