A Level Chemistry OCR Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Chemistry Exam!

Question: 1 / 400

How does a reducing agent function in a chemical reaction?

It adds oxygen to another species

It decreases the temperature of a reaction

It adds electrons to another species

A reducing agent functions by adding electrons to another species during a chemical reaction. This process is termed reduction, and it involves the transfer of electrons, effectively lowering the oxidation state of the species that gains the electrons. In essence, the reducing agent itself gets oxidized in the reaction, as it donates electrons.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of a reducing agent. Adding oxygen would indicate an oxidation process, which is opposite to reduction. Decreasing the temperature of a reaction is not related to the chemical identity or role of a reducing agent and does not pertain to the transfer of electrons. Increasing the oxidation state of a substance also contradicts the fundamental behavior of reducing agents, as they facilitate decreases in oxidation states through the gain of electrons by other species.

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It increases the oxidation state of the substance

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