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Reducing Agents

Part of the Oxidation and Reduction section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 8 of 27.

A reducing agent gives electrons away, so it is oxidized.

Thermite: Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe. Al is oxidized: the reducing agent. Fe₂O₃ is the oxidizing agent.

Every redox reaction has both: an oxidizing agent (reduced) and a reducing agent (oxidized).

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Challenge

In the thermite reaction, aluminum powder reacts with iron(III) oxide and gives molten iron. Choose the reducing agent and the oxidizing agent.

Try it yourself

Oxidation numbersFollow the electrons

Fe2O3AlAl2O3Fe

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This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Oxidation and Reduction

1Electron Transfer

What Is OxidationOxidation NumbersRules for Oxidation NumbersOxidation Numbers in IonsRecap - Number Painter

4Metals and Reactivity

The Reactivity SeriesDisplacement ReactionsMetals and AcidsCorrosion and RustRecap - Metal Contest

2Redox Reactions

Spotting RedoxOxidizing AgentsReducing AgentsElectrons PassedRecap - Who Gave Electrons

5Electrochemistry

ElectrolysisElectrolysis of MeltsCells and BatteriesRecap - Smelter

3Half-Equations

Writing Half-EquationsBalancing with ElectronsHalf-Equations in AcidCombining Half-EquationsRecap - Permanganate

6Practice Problems

Recap - Bleach and IodideRecap - Copper and SilverRecap - Bromine Redox