Question

5Fe2+ + MnO4- + 8H+ yields 5Fe3+ + Mn2+ + 4H2O
In the equation above,

A: H+ ions are reduced
B: Fe2+ ions are oxidized
C: H+ is the oxidizing agent
D: MnO4- is the reducing agent

Answer 1

I believe that the answer is either A. H+ ions are reduced or D. Mn04- is the reducing agent.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (D) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

A reducing agent is defined as an element or compound which accepts electron(s) and its oxidation number reduces.

For example, $5Fe^{2+} + MnO^{-}_{4} + 8H^{+} \rightarrow 5Fe^{3+} + Mn^{2+} + 4H_{2}O$

Here, oxidation state of $Fe^{2+}$ changes to $Fe^{3+}$, that is, it is oxidizing.

Whereas oxidation state of $MnO^{-}_{4}$ changes from $Mn^{2+}$, that is, changes from +7 to +2.

This means $MnO^{-}_{4}$ is the reducing agent.