JAMB - Chemistry (2001 - No. 25)
3Cu(s) + 8HNO\(_3\)(aq) → 3Cu(NO\(_3\))\(_2\)(aq) + 4H\(_2\)O(l) + 2NO(g)
In the equation above, copper is
In the equation above, copper is
an electron acceptor
a base
an oxidizing agent
a reducing agent
Explanation
A reducing agent (also called a reductant or reducer) is an element or compound that loses (or "donates") an electron to another chemical species in a redox chemical reaction. Since the reducing agent is losing electrons, it is said to have been oxidized. In the reaction, Copper is oxidized.