Question

which describes the oxidizing agent in a chemical reaction

Answer 1

A reducing agent or reductant, loses electrons and is oxidized in a chemical reaction.

Answer 2

Answer:  A species which can reduce itself and oxidize others

Explanation: In a Chemical reaction, there are two species- one is oxidizing agent and the other one is reducing agent.

Oxidizing agent is the substance which reduces its electrons and oxidizes the other species.

Reducing Agent is the substance which oxidizes itself and reduces other.

$Zn^{2+}(aq) +  Cu(s) \rightarrow  Zn(s) + Cu^{2+}(aq)$

In this reaction, Zn 2+ is getting reduced in Zn and oxidizing Copper thus acting as an Oxidizing Agent .

And Cu 2+ is reducing itself and oxidizes Zn thus acting as Reducing agent.