In this redox reaction, identify the reducing agent. 2mgo → 2mg + o2 a. h2o b. mg c. mgo d. o

When you look up reducing agent, every definition you find uses the word 'substance.' For example, LiAlH4 is a powerful reducing agent, however only the H^- gets oxidized as LiAlH4 reduces some other element in a different compound.  

For your problem, let us write the equation this way:  

MgO +MgO ---> 2Mg + O2  

The O is oxidized from -2 to zero and is the specific atom that is the reducing agent, since it is the Mg that gets reduced from +2 to zero.  

However, should we pick MgO as the reducing agent (following the usual book definition) or should we pick the oxygen by itself?  

Based on the unusual nature of the problem, I will recommend you pick the O. However, be prepared for it to be the wrong choice and the correct answer to then be MgO.

Source(s):

ChemTeam

to summarize what the guy said, its d. O

this is right on plato, got 5/5

posting this for future users!

b..

is the correct one

explanation:

covalent bonds form as valence electrons are shared between two atoms. lewis structures and structural formulas are common ways of showing the covalent bonding in organic molecules. formal charge describes the changes in the number of valence electrons as an atom becomes bonded into a molecule.

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