Oxidizing vs. Reducing Agent

[Abigail Yap 2K]

How do we determine which species is the oxidizing / reducing agent?

[Peri Bingham 1G]

The oxidizing agent is reduced in the process of bringing about oxidation. The reducing agent is oxidized in the process of bringing about reduction.

[torieoishi1A]

Oxidizing Agent: its the species that is being reduced as it removes the electron from a substance
Some examples include: O2,O3,Fe3+
Reducing Agent: the species that is being oxidized as it supplies electrons to a substance
Examples include: H2, H2S

[Kevin Tabibian 1A]

Oxidizing agents help substances oxidize by being reduced. The opposite is true for reducing agents.

[Jessica Lutz 2E]

So, by looking at a half reaction, you can tell if its an oxidizing agent if electrons are on the reactants side and you can tell if its a reducing agent if the electrons are on the products side?

[Ivy Lu 1C]

The oxidizing agent is the substance that's getting reduced. The reducing agent is the substance that's getting oxidized.

[Ashley Macabasco 2K]

An oxidizing agent gains electrons which can be seen through a half-reaction. The reducing agent then loses electrons.

[Fatima_Iqbal_2E]

For me, it helps to remember OIL (oxidation is losing e-) RIG (reduction is gaining e-). If a species is losing electrons when going from reactants to products, the oxidation number increases, so the species is being oxidized and is a reducing agent. However, if a species is gaining electrons when going from reactants to products, the oxidation number decreases, so the species is being reduced and is an oxidizing agent.