The chemical equation for a reaction between k2cr2o7 and hcl is shown. k2cr2o7 + 14hcl → 2crcl3 + 2kcl + 3cl2 + 7h2o
which of the following identifies the reactant that acts as an oxidizing agent in the reaction and explains the answer? 20 !

a. k2cr2o7, because the oxidation number of k changes from +6 to +3.
b. k2cr2o7, because the oxidation number of cr changes from +6 to +3.
c. hcl, because the oxidation number of h changes from −1 to 0.
d. hcl, because the oxidation number of cl changes from −1 to 0.

The correct answer is Option b.

Explanation:

Oxidizing agent is defined as the chemical reagent which helps the other chemical compound to get oxidized and itself gets reduced. The oxidation state for these species gets reduced because they are undergoing reduction reaction.

For the given chemical equation:

Oxidation state of Chromium is getting reduced from +6 to +3 and oxidation state of chlorine getting increased from -1 to 0.

Hence, acts like and oxidizing agent because it is itself getting reduced to

Therefore, the correct answer is Option b.

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