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What is the reducing agent in the following reaction
5Fe2+(aq) + MnO4-(aq) + 8H+(aq) → 5Fe3+(aq) + Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(I)
A. MnO4-
B. Fe3+
C. Mn2+
D. Fe2+
E. H+


Sagot :

Answer: [tex]Fe^{2+}[/tex] is the reducing agent

Explanation:

Oxidation reaction : When there is an increase in oxidation state number.

Reduction reaction : when there is a decrease in oxidation state number.

[tex]5Fe^{2+}(aq)+MnO_4^-(aq)+8H^+(aq)\rightarrow 5Fe^{3+}(aq)+Mn^{2+}(aq) +4H_2O(l)[/tex]

Fe has undergone oxidation, as its oxidation state is changing from+2 to +3.

Mn has undergone reduction, as its oxidation state is changing from +7 to +2.

The chemical agent which itself get oxidized and reduce others is called reducing agent.  [tex]Fe^{2+}[/tex]  is a reducing agent.

The chemical agent which itself get reduced and oxidize others is called oxidizing agent. [tex]MnO_4^-[/tex] is an oxidizing agent.

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