Question

Identify reducing agent in the following reaction
CuO + H2 > Cu + H2O

Answer 1

This is a REDOX reaction.

H2 is the Reducing Agent.

CuO is the Oxidising Agent.

Why? Explanation given below :

Always remember this chart, it will help you in identifying the types of agents, types of reaction, and types of reactants in the equation.

OXIDATION :

1. Addition of oxygen

2. Removal of hydrogen

3. Loss of electron

4. Addition of electro-negative ion or atom

5. Removal of electro-positive ion or atom

OXIDISING AGENT = REDUCING REACTANT

REDUCTION :

1. Addition of hydrogen

2. Removal of oxygen

3. Gain of electron

4. Removal of electro-negative ion or atom

5. Addition of electro-positive ion or atom

REDUCING AGENT = OXIDATION REACTANT

Here,

CuO is becoming Cu (therefore, Reduction - becoz Oxygen is Removed)

H2 is becoming H2O (therefore, Oxidation - becoz Oxygen is Added)

As, OXIDISING AGENT = REDUCING REACTANT

& REDUCING AGENT = OXIDATION REACTANT

Therefore, H2 is reducing agent & CuO is Oxidising agent.

Hope u understood this.

THANK you