The main difference between reducing agents and oxidizing agents lies in their ability to gain or lose electrons:
1. Reducing Agent: A reducing agent is a substance that has a tendency to donate or lose electrons to another substance. It becomes oxidized in the process as it loses electrons. Reducing agents are often referred to as electron donors since they promote reduction (gain of electrons) in another substance.
2. Oxidizing Agent: An oxidizing agent is a substance that has a tendency to accept or gain electrons from another substance. It becomes reduced in the process as it gains electrons. Oxidizing agents are often referred to as electron acceptors since they promote oxidation (loss of electrons) in another substance.
In summary, reducing agents facilitate reduction by losing electrons, while oxidizing agents facilitate oxidation by gaining electrons.
Main difference between reducing agent and oxidizing agents
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