JAMB Chemistry 2023 Paper

Concept:A reducing agent is the species that is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons and causes another species to be reduced.Explanation:In the reaction $\mathrm{Zn} + \mathrm{CuSO}_4 \rightarrow \mathrm{ZnSO}_4 + \mathrm{Cu}$, the oxidation state of zinc changes from $0$ in $\mathrm{Zn}$ to $+2$ in $\mathrm{ZnSO}_4$.This loss of electrons means zinc is oxidized.Meanwhile, copper in $\mathrm{CuSO}_4$ changes from $+2$ to $0$ in $\mathrm{Cu}$, so copper is reduced.Since zinc undergoes oxidation and causes the reduction of copper(II), zinc acts as the reducing agent.Answer:The correct option is B. $\mathrm{Zn}$.