Question

What is the oxidizing agent of f this chemical process? `Fe + Cu(NO_3)_2 → Fe(NO_3)_2 + Cu`

Answer 1

An oxidizing agent formally ACCEPTS electrons. Therefore, here, the agent is `Cu^(2+)`.

Explanation:

Oxidation involves the formal loss of electrons. Reduction involves the formal gain of electrons. Since matter (including electrons) is conserved in a chemical reaction, each oxidation is accompanied by a reduction, and each reduction by an oxidation.

In your equation, you have an electron-rich, elemental metal, i.e. `Fe`, and this acts as a reducing agent. On the other hand, you have a dicationic metal ion, `Cu^(2+)`, which is an electron sink. Since `Cu^(2+)` is reduced by accepting electrons; the oxidizing agent is this ion.