oxidizing and reducing agents

[Ghadir Seder 1G]

I know that oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons, but how can I tell which one is which by looking at the chemical reaction? Do I use their oxidation states?

[Hiba Alnajjar_2C]

You should look at which elements' oxidation numbers change. If the oxidation number increases, then the species is being oxidized. For example, if it goes from 2- to 0, it is being oxidized. If the oxidation number decreases, then the species is being reduced (since it's becoming more negative). If an element's oxidation number goes from 1 to -1, it is being reduced.

[Andrew Liang 1I]

Yes look at their oxidation states on the left and the right of the chemical reaction. I believe this is how you would usually determine whether something is oxidized or reduced.

[Kallista McCarty 1C]

You should look at the oxidation states or overall charge of the molecule to determine which is being oxidized or reduced

[Kayli Choy 2F]

Additionally, the substance being reduced (oxidation number becoming more negative) is the oxidizing agent (because it is allowing the other substance to be oxidized). The substance being oxidized (oxidation number becoming more positive) is the reducing agent (because it is allowing the other substance to be reduced).

[Cooper Baddley 1F]

Use the oxidation numbers to determine which is oxidized and reduced. Then whatever one is oxidized is the reducing agent and the one being reduced is the oxidizing agent.

[Astrid Lunde 1I]

Look at the oxidation numbers of the different elements.

[William Francis 2E]

I find it very helpful to write out the half reactions to really gain an understanding of the redox reaction. To do this, you will have to determine the oxidation numbers of the elements being reduced and oxidized. Toolbox K.1 on page F80 is very useful to refresh on oxidation numbers.

[Juana Abana 1G]

I find it very helpful to write out the half reactions to really gain an understanding of the redox reaction. To do this, you will have to determine the oxidation numbers of the elements being reduced and oxidized. Toolbox K.1 on page F80 is very useful to refresh on oxidation numbers.

Thanks this is very helpful.

[Rodrigo2J]

You can identify the anode and cathode by writing out the half-reaction and looking at their reduction cell potentials. If the reduction cell potential is more negative, it is oxidizing, and if it is more positive it will be reducing.

[Mariah]

I know that oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons, but how can I tell which one is which by looking at the chemical reaction? Do I use their oxidation states?

I usually use OIL RIG, Oxidation is loss Reduction is gain (of electrons).