Question

Why are metals reducing agents whereas non metals are oxidising agents?

Answer 1

Metals are reducing agents:-

• Metals act as the reducing agent.
• This is because metals have a tendency to donate electrons.
• In this way they get oxidised and act as a reducing agent.
• And we know that loss of electrons is called oxidation.

Non-metals are oxidising agents:-

• Non-metal acts as the oxidising agent.
• This is because non-metals have a tendency to accept the electrons.
• In this way they get reduced and act as an oxidising agent.
• And we know that the gain of electrons is called reduction.