What is the reducing agent in the reaction $2Na(s) + Cu(NO_3)_2(aq) -> Cu(s) +2NaNO_3(aq)$ ?

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Answer 1 · 2016-12-17T20:35:03

$"The reducing agent"$ is the species oxidized........ $"the electron source."$

And sodium is clearly the species oxidized here,

i.e. $NararrNa^+ +e^-$

I don't think this could be accomplished in aqueous solution. The sodium would reduce the water first to hydrogen gas.

What is the reducing agent in the reaction 2Na(s) + Cu(NO_3)_2(aq) -> Cu(s) +2NaNO_3(aq)2Na(s) + Cu(NO_3)_2(aq) -> Cu(s) +2NaNO_3(aq)?