What is the difference between oxidants and reductants?

1 Answer
Jul 14, 2017

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^(-)#