What is an Oxidizing Agent?

An oxidizing agent, also known as an oxidant, is a substance that causes another substance to undergo oxidation. Oxidation is the loss of electrons from an atom or molecule, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state.

In other words, an oxidizing agent is a substance that takes away electrons from another substance, causing it to become more oxidized. This can lead to the formation of ions, the destruction of molecules, or the alteration of chemical properties.

Examples of oxidizing agents include:

* Oxygen (O2)
* Chlorine (Cl2)
* Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
* Nitric acid (HNO3)
* Permanganate ion (MnO4-)

These substances are powerful oxidizing agents because they have a high affinity for electrons and can easily take them away from other substances. When an oxidizing agent reacts with another substance, it can cause the substance to undergo a variety of chemical changes, such as combustion, corrosion, or the formation of complex compounds.