For the following reaction, identify the oxidizing agents in the forward and reverse directions, respectively..
P₄(s) + HNO₃(aq) $\rightarrow$ H₃PO₄(aq) + NO(g)

Question

For the following reaction, identify the oxidizing agents in the forward and reverse directions, respectively.. P₄(s) + HNO₃(aq) $\rightarrow$ H₃PO₄(aq) + NO(g)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the forward direction, HNO3 acts as the oxidizing agent because it is gaining electrons (or its oxidation state is decreasing) as it is transformed into NO. In the reverse direction, H3PO4 would act as the oxidizing agent as it would be accepting electrons to revert to its original state, thus its oxidation state would be increasing.

For the Following Reaction, Identify the Oxidizing Agents in the Forward