Question

identify the oxidizing agent in the reaction: Fe(s)+Cu(No3)2(aq)->Fe(NO3)2(aq)+Cu(s)

Answer 1

Answer: Cu(NO₃)₂(aq)

Oxidation means removing electrons and reduction means the opposite.

A reducing agent gives electrons to another species to reduce it.

and an oxidising agent takes electrons from another species to oxidise it.

In the present case, to know which is which (oxidising or reducing agent), we need determine the oxidation states of every species.

Here we have Fe(S), that means it is with 0 oxidation state.

Cu(NO₃)₂ here Cu has two NO₃^-   means two negatively charged species. yet overall charge on Cu(NO₃)₂ is zero.It means Cu is compensating the negative charges. Cu with 2+ charge can only do so.

Same goes to Fe(NO3)2 , Fe is with +2 oxidation state.

Cu(s) is at 0 oxidation state.

From left side to right side of the reaction Fe changed from Fe⁰ state to Fe²⁺ state, means it lost two electrons.

And Cu changed from Cu²⁺ state to Cu⁰. means it gained two electrons.

Finally Fe⁰ is a reducing agent and Cu²⁺ is an oxidising agent.