In the reaction of `F_2` and `H_2O`, water act as_____.

Explanation

To determine how water acts in the reaction between fluorine (F₂) and water (H₂O), we can analyze the changes in oxidation states of the elements involved in the reaction.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants and Products**:
The reactants in this reaction are fluorine (F₂) and water (H₂O). The products formed are hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hypofluorous acid (HOF).

2. **Determine the Oxidation States**:
- In F₂, the oxidation state of fluorine (F) is 0 (since it is in its elemental form).
- In HF, the oxidation state of fluorine is -1.
- In H₂O, the oxidation state of oxygen is -2.
- In HOF, the oxidation state of oxygen is 0.

3. **Analyze the Changes in Oxidation States**:
- Fluorine (F) goes from an oxidation state of 0 in F₂ to -1 in HF. This indicates that fluorine is being reduced (gaining electrons).
- Oxygen in water (H₂O) goes from an oxidation state of -2 to 0 in HOF. This indicates that oxygen is being oxidized (losing electrons).

4. **Identify the Role of Water**:
Since water (H₂O) is causing the oxidation of oxygen (from -2 to 0) while facilitating the reduction of fluorine (from 0 to -1), it is acting as a reducing agent. A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, causing that substance to be reduced.

5. **Conclusion**:
Therefore, in the reaction of F₂ and H₂O, water acts as a reducing agent.

### Final Answer:
In the reaction of F₂ and H₂O, water acts as a reducing agent.