i always couldn't remember which was which. the trouble with oxidizing agents is that they are reduced and reducing agents are oxidized.
OIL RIG
oxidation is loss (a substance is oxidized when it loses electrons)
reduction is gain (a substance is reduced when it gains electrons)
oxidizing agents oxidize things. this means they themselves are reduced. this means they gain electrons.
reducing agents reduce things. this means they themselves are oxidized. this means they lose electrons.
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