Question

as a result of an oxidation - reduction reaction, how is the oxidizing agent changed? it gains electrons and gains potential energy. it gains electrons and loses potential energy. it loses electrons and loses potential energy. it loses electrons and gains potential energy.

Explanation:

In an oxidation - reduction reaction, the oxidizing agent is the substance that causes another substance to be oxidized. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons. The oxidizing agent itself undergoes reduction. When a substance gains electrons (reduction), its potential energy decreases. For example, in the reaction \(Cu^{2+}+Zn
ightarrow Cu + Zn^{2+}\), \(Cu^{2+}\) is the oxidizing agent. \(Cu^{2+}\) gains electrons (\(Cu^{2+}+2e^-
ightarrow Cu\)) and its potential energy is reduced as it goes from a higher - energy ionic state (\(Cu^{2+}\)) to a lower - energy metallic state (\(Cu\)).

Answer:

It gains electrons and loses potential energy.