Identify the reducing agent in the following reaction: \( \mathrm{Zn + CuSO_4 \rightarrow ZnSO_4 + Cu} \)

Answer Details

In the given reaction, Zn reacts with CuSO4 to form ZnSO4 and Cu. To identify the reducing agent in this reaction, we need to understand the concept of oxidation and reduction. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, while reduction is the gain of electrons. In any redox reaction, there is an oxidizing agent (which causes oxidation) and a reducing agent (which causes reduction). Let's analyze the reaction: Zn + CuSO4 → ZnSO4 + Cu In this reaction, Zn is being oxidized because it loses two electrons to form Zn2+ ions in ZnSO4. On the other hand, Cu2+ ions in CuSO4 are being reduced because they gain two electrons to form Cu atoms. The reducing agent is the species that causes the reduction to occur. In this reaction, Zn is the reducing agent because it gives away its two electrons, causing the Cu2+ ions to be reduced to Cu atoms. Therefore, the reducing agent in this reaction is **Zinc (Zn)**.