Question

What is the difference between oxidants and reductants?

Answer 1

Non-metals are usually oxidizing........i.e. they tend to gain electrons....

Explanation:

Certainly fluorine and oxygen gas are the most powerful oxidizing agents known. These TEND to pick up electrons, oxidizing the other material and themselves becoming reduced......

`1/2O_2(g) + 2e^(-) rarr O^(2-)`

`1/2F_2(g) + e^(-) rarr F^(-)`