The reducing agent is the substance that donates electrons.

The reducing agent is the substance that donates electrons.

• A. The reducing agent donates electrons
• B. The reducing agent accepts electrons
• C. The reducing agent is oxidized
• D. The reducing agent is reduced

Answer: (A)

When a redox reaction happens, the substance that donates electrons is the reducing agent. Donating electrons is the defining action of the reducing agent, so the statement that it donates electrons describes what it does in the reaction. The partner that accepts those electrons is the oxidizing agent. Saying the reducing agent accepts electrons would describe reduction (the opposite process), and saying it is reduced would also be incorrect for the same reason. (In fact, donating electrons means the reducing agent is oxidized, but the key point here is the act of donation.)

When a redox reaction happens, the substance that donates electrons is the reducing agent. Donating electrons is the defining action of the reducing agent, so the statement that it donates electrons describes what it does in the reaction. The partner that accepts those electrons is the oxidizing agent. Saying the reducing agent accepts electrons would describe reduction (the opposite process), and saying it is reduced would also be incorrect for the same reason. (In fact, donating electrons means the reducing agent is oxidized, but the key point here is the act of donation.)