Answer:
The Fe increases its oxidation number from 0 to +2, it means that electrons are lost, therefore the Fe is the reducing agent and is the oxidized substance.
Explanation:
1. First write down the chemical equation:
\(Fe+_{2}HCl=FeCl_{2}+H_{2}\)
2. Then determine the oxidation numbers for each compound:
\(Fe^{0} +_{2}H^{+1}Cl^{-1}=Fe^{+2}Cl^{-1}_{2}+H^{0}_{2}\)
3. Write the elements that change its oxidation number:
- \(H\)
\(H^{+1}\) → \(H^{0}\)
The H decreases its oxidation number from +1 to 0, it means that electrons are gained, therefore the H is the oxidizing agent and is the reduced substance.
- \(Fe\)
\(Fe^{0}\) → \(Fe^{+2}\)
The Fe increases its oxidation number from 0 to +2, it means that electrons are lost, therefore the Fe is the reducing agent and is the oxidized substance.
