question asking for reducing agent?

Question

Given the following net ionic equation:

2 Al_(s) + 3 Zn²⁺_(aq)     →      2 Al³⁺ _(aq) + 3 Zn_(s)

The species that acts as the reducing agent is:

Question 12 options:

a.	Al3+(aq)
b.	Zn(s)
c.	Zn2+(aq)
d.	Al(s)

Answer 1

Compare oxidation numbers for each element on the left and right side of the equation:

Al goes from zero to 3+. It has lost electrons. It is the reducing agent.

Zn goes from 2+ to zero. It has gained electrons. It is the oxidizing agent.