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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Redox Reactions  ·  NEET & JEE

Which of the following can act as both an oxidising agent and a reducing agent?

Answer: H 2 O 2.

  • A KMnO<sub>4</sub>
  • B F<sub>2</sub>
  • C H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>
  • D K<sub>2</sub>Cr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub>

Correct answer: C. H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>

Explanation: H₂O₂ can oxidise (reducing to H₂O, O changes from -1 to -2) or reduce (oxidising to O₂, O changes from -1 to 0), acting as both an oxidising and a reducing agent depending on the conditions.

Electron Transfer: Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + CuZnloses 2e⁻OXIDISED (Zn → Zn²⁺)2e⁻Cu²⁺gains 2e⁻REDUCED (Cu²⁺ → Cu)Zn = reducing agentCu²⁺ = oxidising agent

Electron transfer in a redox reaction: zinc loses electrons (oxidised, acts as reducing agent) and copper(II) ions gain those same electrons (reduced, acts as oxidising agent).

Concept context

Master electron transfer in chemistry: assign oxidation states, balance half-reactions, identify oxidising and reducing agents, and connect redox to everyday reactions.

Read the full Redox Reactions notes →