Study the following chemical reaction:\ $2 \mathrm{Na}_{(s)}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{(l)} \lon

Question

Study the following chemical reaction:\ $2 \mathrm{Na}_{(s)}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{(l)} \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{NaOH}_{(a q)}+\mathrm{H}_{2(g)} \uparrow$\ The reducing agent in this reaction is\

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

Here, Na is oxidised to NaOH and $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ is reduced to $\mathrm{H}_{2}$. Na acts as a reducing agent and $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ acts as an oxidising agent. \Tips-An oxidising agent is the substance which gets reduced itself and oxidises other substance whereas a reducing agent is the substance which gets oxidised itself and reduces the other substance.