Consider the following equation H2O + 2Fe2+ + Cl2 ↔ 2Fe3+ + 2Cl- + H2O. Which behaves as an oxidizing agent?
A
Fe2+
B
Cl2
C
Fe3+
D
Cl-
E
H2O
Verified Correct Answer: B.
Chemical Principles & Mechanism
- An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes oxidation by accepting electrons; therefore, it gets reduced. A reducing agent is a substance that causes reduction by losing electrons; therefore it gets oxidized.
- Common examples of oxidizing agents include halogens (such as chlorine and fluorine)
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #759)