In the reaction CuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O, identify the reducing agent.
Correct: B
An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes another substance to be oxidized and itself gets reduced. A reducing agent is a substance that causes another substance to be reduced and itself gets oxidized.
Let's analyze the changes:
- CuO loses oxygen to become Cu. Losing oxygen is reduction. Therefore, CuO is reduced, and it acts as the oxidizing agent.
- H₂ gains oxygen to become H₂O. Gaining oxygen is oxidation. Therefore, H₂ is oxidized, and it acts as the reducing agent.