Which one is an oxidising agent

Options

A. `FeSO_(4)`
B. `HNO_(3)`
C. `FeSO_(4). (NH_(4))_(2)SO_(4).6H_(2)O`
D. `H_(2)SO_(4)`

Answer

To determine which compound is an oxidizing agent among the given options, we need to understand the concept of oxidizing agents and their characteristics. An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction and, in the process, causes the oxidation of another substance. This means that the oxidizing agent itself is reduced.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Oxidation States**:
- For each compound, we need to determine the oxidation state of the key elements involved in the reaction.

2. **Analyze Each Compound**:
- **FeSO4**:
- Iron (Fe) is in the +2 oxidation state, and sulfur (S) is in the +6 oxidation state. Since sulfur is already in its maximum oxidation state, it cannot act as an oxidizing agent. Therefore, FeSO4 is not an oxidizing agent.

- **HNO3 (Nitric Acid)**:
- Nitrogen (N) is in the +5 oxidation state. This is also its maximum oxidation state, which means it can gain electrons (be reduced) and, in turn, oxidize another substance. Hence, HNO3 can act as an oxidizing agent.

- **FeSO4.NH4 2 SO4.6 H2O**:
- This compound contains Fe in the +2 oxidation state. Similar to the first case, since Fe is in a lower oxidation state, it cannot act as an oxidizing agent. Therefore, this compound is not an oxidizing agent.

- **H2SO4 (Sulfuric Acid)**:
- Sulfur (S) is in the +6 oxidation state, which is its maximum oxidation state. Thus, it cannot act as an oxidizing agent because it cannot be reduced.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the only compound that can act as an oxidizing agent is **HNO3** (Nitric Acid).

### Final Answer:
The oxidizing agent among the given options is **HNO3** (Nitric Acid).