Question
GeneralGeneralGeneral

what is oxidising agent

Verified Answer

An oxidising agent is a substance that causes oxidation in another substance during a chemical reaction. It does this by giving oxygen or by accepting electrons.

While helping another substance get oxidised, the oxidising agent itself gets reduced.

Simple example

In the reaction:

CuO + H2 → Cu + H2O

  • CuO is the oxidising agent

  • It provides oxygen to hydrogen to form water

Characteristics of an oxidising agent

  • Accepts electrons

  • Causes oxidation of another substance

  • Gets reduced during the reaction

Common examples

  • Oxygen (O2)

  • Potassium permanganate (KMnO4)

  • Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)

  • Chlorine (Cl2)

Importance

Oxidising agents are widely used in:

  • Chemical industries

  • Bleaching and cleaning

  • Water purification

  • Laboratory reactions

They play an important role in many chemical and industrial processes.