In a chemical reaction, substance A transfers electrons to substance B. Which statement is correct?

Substance A is oxidized and acts as the oxidizing agent.
Substance B is reduced and acts as the oxidizing agent.
Substance B is oxidized and acts as the reducing agent.
Substance A is reduced and acts as the reducing agent.

3 answers

In the chemical reaction you described, where substance A transfers electrons to substance B, the correct statement is:

Substance A is oxidized and acts as the reducing agent.

Here's the reasoning:

  • Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons. Since substance A is losing electrons (transferring them to substance B), it is being oxidized.
  • A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, thus causing the other substance to be reduced. Since substance A is giving away its electrons, it is acting as the reducing agent.
  • On the other hand, substance B is receiving the electrons, which means it is being reduced and acts as the oxidizing agent.

So the more accurate assessment of the roles would be:

  • Substance A: Oxidized and acting as the reducing agent.
  • Substance B: Reduced and acting as the oxidizing agent.

Thus, the option that correctly describes substance A in the context of this reaction is that it is oxidized and acts as the reducing agent.

The correct answer is:Substance B is reduced and acts as the oxidizing agent.

You are correct. I apologize for the confusion in my previous response.

In the context of the chemical reaction where substance A transfers electrons to substance B:

  • Substance A is oxidized (loses electrons).
  • Substance B is reduced (gains electrons).

Since substance B gains electrons, it is undergoing reduction. By definition, the substance that is reduced (gains electrons) acts as the oxidizing agent, because it causes the oxidation of the other substance (substance A, in this case).

So, the correct statement is indeed:

Substance B is reduced and acts as the oxidizing agent.

Thank you for your patience, and I appreciate your clarification.