The oxidizing agent of the reaction : O₂
Given
Reaction
N₂ + O₂ ⇒ N₂O₅
Required
The oxidizing agent
Solution
The balanced equation :
2N₂ + 5O₂ ⇒ 2N₂O₅
Oxidation is an increase in oxidation number, while reduction is a decrease in oxidation number.
In the redoxs reaction, it is also known :
The reducing agents : a substance that experience oxidation
The oxidizing agent : a substance that is reduced
2N₂ → 2N₂O₅ (oxidation of N)
0 to +5
5O₂ → 2N₂O₅ (reduction of O)
0 to -2
So N₂ reducing agent, O₂ an oxidizing agent.