In the reaction of magnesium with oxygen, explain which atom is the reducing agent.

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Mg.

Explanation:

The oxidation-reduction reaction contains a reductant and an oxidant (oxidizing agent).An oxidizing agent, or oxidant, gains electrons and is reduced in a chemical reaction. Also known as the electron acceptor, the oxidizing agent is normally in one of its higher possible oxidation states because it will gain electrons and be reduced.A reducing agent (also called a reductant or reducer) is an element (such as calcium) or compound that loses (or "donates") an electron to another chemical species in a redox chemical reaction.For the reaction:

Mg + 1/2O₂ → MgO.

Mg is oxidized to Mg²⁺ in (MgO) (loses 2 electrons). "reducing agent".

O is reduced to O²⁻ in (MgO) (gains 2 electrons). "oxidizing agent".