Identify the oxidizing agent in the following redox reaction.

Hg2 + (aq) + Cu (s) → Cu2 + (aq) + Hg (l)

Hg²⁺

Explanation:

In the given reaction, Hg²⁺ is the oxidizing agent in the reaction.

An oxidizing agent is any specie that undergoes reduction in the course of a reaction. Such specie;

shows removal of oxygen addition of hydrogen gain of electrons decrease in oxidation number

The reaction Hg²⁺ + Cu → Cu²⁺ + Hg

here Hg, goes from an oxidation state of 2 to 0. This is a decrease