When an iron rod dipped in a solution of copper sulphate, a redox reaction occurs: Fe + CuSO 4 → FeSO 4 + Cu (i) Which one is reduced and which one is oxidised? (ii) Which one is the oxidising agent?

(i) When an iron rod is dipped in a solution of copper sulphate, Fe is oxidised and CuSO 4 is reduced. Oxidation is a process in which a substance loses its electrons and reduction is a process in which a substance gains electrons. Therefore, in the given reaction Fe is changing to Fe 2 + and copper is changing from Cu 2 + to Cu . Hence, Fe is oxidised and CuSO 4 is reduced. (ii) Copper sulphate CuSO 4 is an oxidising agent as it is undergoing reduction. The substance which undergoes reduction is known as an oxidising agent.

When an iron rod dipped in a solution of copper sulphate, a redox reaction occurs: Fe + CuSO 4 → FeSO 4 + Cu (i) Which one is reduced and which one is oxidised? (ii) Which one is the oxidising agent?

(i) When an iron rod is dipped in a solution of copper sulphate, Fe is oxidised and CuSO 4 is reduced. Oxidation is a process in which a substance loses its electrons and reduction is a process in which a substance gains electrons. Therefore, in the given reaction Fe is changing to Fe 2 + and copper is changing from Cu 2 + to Cu . Hence, Fe is oxidised and CuSO 4 is reduced. (ii) Copper sulphate CuSO 4 is an oxidising agent as it is undergoing reduction. The substance which undergoes reduction is known as an oxidising agent.