Definition of an oxidizing agent

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The discussion centers around a test question regarding the classification of a chemical species, A, as either a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent based on a half-reaction. The individual argues that A should be considered an oxidizing agent because it is reduced in the reaction, which they believe sufficiently answers the question of whether A is an oxidizing agent. However, their teacher disagrees, insisting that the answer must explicitly state that A accepts electrons to qualify as an oxidizing agent. The individual seeks additional support for their interpretation, emphasizing that the question only requires a determination of A's classification, not an explanation of why it is classified that way. This highlights a potential misalignment between the teacher's expectations and the student's understanding of the question's requirements.
tomkoolen
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Hello everyone,

This may seem like a weird question, but today I had a discussion with my teacher in which I won't give up so easily.

There was a test question that went like this:
"A + 2 H+ + 2 e- ---> B

Use this half-reaction to define whether A is a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent."

My answer:
"A is an oxidizing agent because it is reduced itself."

My teacher won't give me points for this because he feels the answer should be: "A is an oxidizing agent because it accepts electrons." which is exactly the same thing as my answer, except for the fact that my answer uses a term which puts the stress on the fact that that electron acception can be regarded as the reduction of that species.

Could anyone come up with another argument supporting my answer?
Thanks in advance!
 
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I don't understand the discussion. Question doesn't ask WHY it is an oxidizing agent, it asks WHETHER it is an oxidizing agent. And you answered that part.
 
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