Question

Q. Identify the reducing agent in the following reactions
$$\begin{gathered} 4N{H}_3+5O_2\to 4NO+6H_{2}O \\ {H}_{2}O+F_2\to HF+HOF \\ F{e}_2{O}_3+3CO\to 2Fe+3C{O}_2 \\ 2H_2+O_2\to 2H_{2}O \end{gathered}$$

Answer 1

The solution is as follows:

Reducing agent is the one that loses hydrogen or gains oxygen or both in a reaction.

1. Ammonia loses H and form NO. Thus it is reducing agent.

2. F₂ gains oxygen so it is reducing agent.

3. CO gains oxygen and forms CO₂, so it is reducing agent.

4. H₂ gains oxygen so it is reducing agent.