Respuesta :
Nitrogen is reduced and is therefore the oxidizing agent. Oxygen is oxidized and is therefore the reducing agent.
Answer :
The oxidized element is, oxygen.
The reduced element is, nitrogen.
The oxidizing agent is, nitrogen.
The reducing agent is, oxygen.
Explanation :
Oxidation reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which a substance looses its electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element increases.
Reduction reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element decreases.
Reducing agent : It is defined as the agent which helps the other substance to reduce and itself gets oxidized.
Oxidizing agent : It is defined as the agent which helps the other substance to oxidize and itself gets reduced.
The given balanced oxidation-reduction is :
[tex]KNO_3\rightarrow KNO_2+O_2[/tex]
First we have to determine the oxidation state of nitrogen and oxygen in [tex]KNO_3,KNO_2\text{ and }O_2[/tex].
The oxidation state of nitrogen in [tex]KNO_3[/tex].
Let the oxidation state of 'N' be, 'x'.
[tex](+1)+x+3(-2)=0\\\\x=+5[/tex]
The oxidation state of nitrogen in [tex]KNO_2[/tex].
[tex](+1)+x+2(-2)=0\\\\x=+3[/tex]
The oxidation state of oxygen in [tex]KNO_3[/tex] is, (-2).
The oxidation state of oxygen in [tex]O_2[/tex] is, 0.
From the given reaction we conclude that, the oxidation state of 'N' changes from (+5) to (+3) that means 'N' gain 2 electrons and it shows reduction and also known as oxidizing agent. The oxidation state of 'O' changes from (-2) to (0) that means 'O' lost 2 electrons and it shows oxidation and also know as reducing agent.
Hence, the oxidized element is, oxygen. The reduced element is, nitrogen. The oxidizing agent is, nitrogen. The reducing agent is, oxygen.
