Oxidation and reduction

2 marks · Easy

The equation below represents a reaction: \[ 2Ag_2O \rightarrow 4Ag + O_2 \] State the oxidising agent and the reducing agent in this reaction.

(a)

Identify the oxidising agent.

[1 mark]

(b)

Identify the reducing agent.

[1 mark]

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(a) Ag_2O

(b) Ag_2O (no reducing agent); or accept 'no reducing agent', as only silver(I) oxide is involved

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Marking points

A1 (a) · 1 mark · Identifies Ag_2O as the oxidising agent.

A2 (b) · 1 mark · States that there is no reducing agent or equivalent correct explanation.

Worked solution

a) Oxidising agent: Ag_2O b) There is no reducing agent, since Ag_2O decomposes by itself.