Chemistry Regents Practice Test 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

An oxidizing agent is defined as a substance that gains electrons in a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. In these reactions, oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction corresponds to the gain of electrons. Therefore, when a substance acts as an oxidizing agent, it facilitates oxidation by accepting electrons from another species, which results in the reduction of the oxidizing agent itself.

This role is crucial in redox reactions, as the transfer of electrons between the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent drives the overall chemical process. For example, in a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to form water, oxygen acts as the oxidizing agent as it gains electrons from hydrogen.

Understanding the behavior of oxidizing agents is key to mastering concepts in electrochemistry and redox reactions, as they play a vital role in many chemical processes, including combustion, respiration, and corrosion.