Which describes the oxidizing agent in a chemical reaction?
the substance that is oxidized because it loses electrons
the substance that is reduced because it loses electrons
the substance that is oxidized because it gains electrons
the substance that is reduced because it gains electrons

An oxidizing agent is "the substance that is reduced because it gains electrons"

Explanation:

Oxide-reduction reactions, also called redox, involve the transfer or transfer of electrons between two or more chemical species. In these reactions two substances interact: the reducing agent and the oxidizing agent.

An oxidizing element or oxidizing agent is one that reaches a stable energy state as a result of which the oxidant is reduced and gains electrons. The oxidizing agent causes oxidation of the reducing agent generating the loss of electrons of the substance and, therefore, oxidizes in the process.

In other words, the oxidizing agent is that chemical species that in a redox process accepts electrons released by the reducing agent and, therefore, is reduced in said process. The oxidizing agent is reduced because, upon receiving electrons from the reducing agent, a decrease in the value of the charge or oxidation number of one of the atoms of the oxidizing agent is induced.

Taking into account the aforementioned definitions, it is possible to say that an oxidizing agent is "the substance that is reduced because it gains electrons"

 The oxidation agent  in a chemical  reaction is the substance that is reduced  because   it gains electrons.

Explanation