Question

In the reaction below the oxidising agent is

Na + Cl2 ------> 2NaCl

Answer 1

Solution:

Balanced chemical equation:

2Na + Cl₂ ⟶ 2NaCl

Na⁰ − e− ⟶ Na⁺

Cl₂ + 2e− ⟶ 2Cl⁻

We see that the oxidation number of chlorine has decreased from 0 in Cl₂ to -1 in Cl⁻

The decrease in oxidation number shows that the Cl₂ has been reduced, so Cl₂ is the oxidizing agent.

Answer: Cl₂ is the oxidizing agent.