Tin reacts with nitric acid according to the following equation. What substance is the reducing agent? Sn(s) + 4HNO3(aq) → SnO2(s) + 4NO2(g) + 2H2O(g)

The reducing agent will go through oxidation reaction and lose electrons then the valence will increase. So the reducing agent in this reaction is Sn(s).

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RomeliaThurston RomeliaThurston · Answer 2 · 2018-12-12T07:55:34+01:00

Answer: Reducing agent in the given reaction is Sn.

Explanation: Reducing agents are defined as the reagents which reduces the other substance and itself gets oxidized.

Oxidation reactions are defined as the reactions in which loss of electrons occur. the oxidation state of the substance is increased in this type of reaction.

For a given chemical reaction:

[tex]4HNO_3(aq.)+Sn(s)\rightarrow SnO_2(s)+4NO_2(g)+2H_2O(g)[/tex]

On reactant side:

Oxidation state of Hydrogen = +1

Oxidation state of oxygen = -2

Oxidation state of Nitrogen = +5

Oxidation state of Sn = 0

On product side:

Oxidation state of Hydrogen = +1

Oxidation state of oxygen = -2

Oxidation state of Nitrogen = +4

Oxidation state of Sn = +4

From above, the oxidation state of Sn is increasing. So, this element will undergo oxidation reaction and hence, is considered as a reducing agent.