Elements with more non-metallic character are good oxidizing agents and those with more electropositive character are good reducing agents.Explain.
1.Oxidation: The loss of electrons or gain of Oxygen or loss of Hydrogen by an atom is called oxidation.
2.Reduction:The gain of electrons or loss of Oxygen or gain of Hydrogen by an atom is called reduction.
3.Oxidising agent: The substance that undergoes reduction and helps the other atom to undergo oxidation is the oxidising agent.
4.Reducing agent: The substance that undergoes oxidation and helps the other atom to undergo reduction is the reducing agent.
5. The elements with high electropositivity act as metals and have greater tendency to lose electrons and undergo oxidation.Hence, act as strong reducing agents.
Ex: Na, K, Cs
6. The elements with high electro negativity act as non-metals and have greater tendency to gain electrons and undergo reduction.Hence, act as strong oxidising agents.
Ex: O, N, F