Analyze Redox Reactions

Question

Br₂ + Mn2Br^- + Mn²⁺

Species oxidized:

Species reduced:

Oxidizing agent:

Reducing agent:

As the reaction proceeds, electrons are transferred from___to___.

Answer 1

@Chirag L has given you a correct answer to your question. I'd like to add how you know which element lost or gained electrons. You must look at the oxidation number of each element on the left and right sides of the balanced equation.

Br₂ + Mn2Br^- + Mn²⁺

0.......0...........-1........+2.....

Br has gained electrons = it has been reduced making it the oxidizing agent

Mn has lost electrons = it has been oxidized making it the reducing agent

Answer 2

Hey Nicole!

To tackle this question, we have to make sure we know the differences between oxidation and reduction. I like using the acronym OIL RIG, which stands for Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain, referring to the loss or gain of electrons. An oxidizing agent is a species that makes something become oxidized, which means it is reduced. A reducing agent is a species that makes something become reduced, which means it is oxidized.

Species oxidized: Loses electrons (Mn)

Species reduced: Gains electrons (Br2)

Oxidizing agent: Makes something become oxidized while being reduced itself (Br2)

Reducing agent: Makes something become reduced while being oxidized itself (Mn)

Hope this helps!