Answer to Question #135518 in General Chemistry for Kabibe Alexander

Question

Why is Chlorine an Oxidizing Agent?
Why is Sodium a Reducing Agent?

Answer 1

Question #135518

Why is Chlorine an Oxidizing Agent?

Why is Sodium a Reducing Agent?

Answer

Chlorine is an oxidizing agent because its molecules gain electrons to form chloride ions and therefore reduced during a reaction.

Sodium is a Reducing Agent because its atoms lose one electron in their outermost shell to form sodium ions. It is therefore oxidized during a reaction.