Define oxidising and reducing agents in terms of electrons

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Text Solution

**Step 1: Define Oxidizing Agent**
An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes oxidation in another substance while itself undergoing reduction. In terms of electrons, an oxidizing agent gains electrons during a chemical reaction.

**Step 2: Explain the Process of Reduction**
When an oxidizing agent gains electrons, it reduces its oxidation state. For example, in the reaction involving permanganate ion (MnO4⁻), it gains electrons and is reduced from an oxidation state of +7 to +2. Therefore, MnO4⁻ acts as an oxidizing agent.

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