Hydrogen peroxide is ……..

Options

A. an oxidising agent
B. a reducing agent
C. both an oxidising and a reducing agent
D. neither oxidising nor reducing agent

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question:**
The question asks whether hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an oxidizing agent, a reducing agent, both, or neither.

2. **Definition of Oxidizing and Reducing Agents:**
- An **oxidizing agent** is a substance that oxidizes another substance and is reduced itself in the process.
- A **reducing agent** is a substance that reduces another substance and is oxidized itself in the process.

3. **Identifying H2O2 as an Oxidizing Agent:**
- When H2O2 reacts in an acidic medium, it can be represented by the reaction:
\[ 2H_2O_2 + 2H^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow 2H_2O \]
- In this reaction, H2O2 is converted to water (H2O), indicating a loss of oxygen. The loss of oxygen signifies that H2O2 is undergoing reduction, which confirms that it acts as an oxidizing agent.

4. **Identifying H2O2 as a Reducing Agent:**
- H2O2 can also act as a reducing agent in another reaction:
\[ 2H_2O_2 \rightarrow O_2 + 2H^+ + 2e^- \]
- In this reaction, H2O2 decomposes to form oxygen gas (O2), indicating a loss of hydrogen. The loss of hydrogen signifies that H2O2 is undergoing oxidation, confirming that it acts as a reducing agent.

5. **Conclusion:**
Since H2O2 can act both as an oxidizing agent (by reducing itself) and as a reducing agent (by oxidizing itself), the correct answer is that hydrogen peroxide is both an oxidizing and reducing agent.

**Final Answer:**
Hydrogen peroxide is both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent.

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