Question

Why are metal reducing agents and nonmetals oxidising agents?

Answer 1

Metal as Reducing agent:

• A reducing agent is a reactant in an oxidation-reduction process that reduces the other reactant by releasing electrons.
• The reduction process cannot take place if the reducing agent does not pass electrons to another material in the reaction.
• Metals operate as reducing agents because of their inclination to transfer electrons and become oxidized.

Non-metal As Oxidising agents:

• A reagent that can raise an element's oxidation number in a given material. These reagents are also known as oxidants.
• Oxidizing agents, in general, are reduced or take electrons.
• Non-metals have a higher proclivity for accepting electrons, they are more likely to operate as an oxidising agent.
• Because of their ability to gain electrons and get reduced, nonmetals act as oxidising agents.

Hence, metals are reducing agents, while nonmetals are oxidising agents.