Hbr + h₂so₄ so₂ + br₂ + h₂o whats the oxidizing agent and whats the reducing agent?

Sulfur is the oxidizing agent and bromine is the reducing agent.

Explanation:

Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. Here, oxidation state of the atom increases.

Reducing agents are defined as the agents which reduces the other substance and itself gets oxidized. These agents undergoes reduction reactions.

Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom gains electrons. Here, the oxidation state of the atom decreases.

Oxidizing agents are defined as the agents which oxidize other substance and itself gets reduced. These agents undergoes reduction reactions.

For the given chemical reaction:

The half reactions for the above reaction are:

Oxidation half reaction:  

Reduction half reaction:  

From the above reactions, bromine is loosing its electrons. Thus, it is getting oxidized and is considered as a reducing agent.

Sulfur is gaining electrons and thus is getting reduced and is considered as an oxidizing agent.

Hence, sulfur is the oxidizing agent and bromine is the reducing agent.

the old alchemists made significant contributions to science even though there starting premises were off a bit. their conclusions after failure would steer them into better directions for investigation. science is no more than close observation and the initial mistakes result in rethinking and retrying experiments.