For the given reactions, classify the reactants as the reducing agent, oxidizing agent, or neither. cl2 + h2 → 2hcl 2n2 + o2 → 2n2o

a) is an oxidizing agent and is a reducing agent.

b) is an oxidizing agent and is a reducing agent.

Explanation:

In a given reaction, a reducing agent is one which has a tendency to loose electrons thereby getting oxidized. In contrast, an oxidizing agent is one which has a tendency to accept electrons thereby getting reduced.

a) The given reaction is:

The reactants are and each with an oxidation state (OS) = 0. In the product, , the OS of H = +1 and that of Cl =- 1

Since the OS of Cl has changed from 0 to -1, it has got reduced hence is an oxidizing agent. Similarly, since the OS of H has changed from 0 to +1, it has got oxidized hence is a reducing agent.

b) The given reaction is:

The reactants are and each with an oxidation state (OS) = 0. In the product, , the OS of N = +1 and that of O =- 2

Since the OS of O has changed from 0 to -2, it has got reduced hence is an oxidizing agent. Similarly, since the OS of N has changed from 0 to +1, it has got oxidized hence is a reducing agent.

it is a solid

explanation: