<p>Hey guys, can you help me with one question? Test is Sat! </p>
<p>When are oxidizing/reducing agents the whole compound and when is it just one element (that's part of the compound)? I'm soo confused.
ex: CuSO4 + Zn --> ZnSO4 + Cu. So, in this is Cu the oxidizing agent, or CuSO4? </p>
<p>couldnt find it in the book...</p>
<p>It's always the entire compound.</p>
<p>So...</p>
<p>CuSO4 is oxidizing agent
Zn is reducing agent</p>
<p>Oh, ok...are you sure? I remember i did a problem once where it was like AlNO3 and then it was only Al that was the reducing agent. I don't remember the problem tho.</p>
<p>I think you look at the net ionic equation for questions like this:</p>
<p>Since CuSO4 and ZnSO4 are both soluble, then the equation is</p>
<p>Cu2+ + Zn --> Zn2+ + Cu</p>
<p>So the oxidizing agent is Cu2+?</p>
<p>wait what your asking me? but im asking you! ...lol. </p>
<p>do any other review books talk about this? pr doesn't so, does anyone know how to do this? hopefully i'll learn before this sat...</p>
<p>I think it depends on whether or not the reaction occurs in solution, and if it is, whether or not the compounds are soluble. If they are, look at the net ionic equation, and so shanianwang's solution is correct. However, unless this all is true, you would refer to the entire compound as the oxidizing or reducing agent.</p>