Hydrogen peroxide is used as

Options

A. Oxidising agent only
B. Reducing agent only
C. Both as oxidising and reducing agent
D. Drying agent

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question:**
The question asks about the uses of hydrogen peroxide and provides four options:
- Oxidizing agent only
- Reducing agent only
- Both oxidizing and reducing agent
- Drying agent

2. **Identifying the Properties of Hydrogen Peroxide:**
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is known to have dual properties. It can act as both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent depending on the reaction conditions.

3. **Hydrogen Peroxide as an Oxidizing Agent:**
- In acidic or basic medium, hydrogen peroxide can oxidize certain substances.
- For example, when reacting with lead sulfide (PbS), hydrogen peroxide oxidizes sulfur from an oxidation state of -2 to +6, forming lead sulfate (PbSO₄) and water (H₂O).
- This demonstrates that hydrogen peroxide is acting as an oxidizing agent.

4. **Hydrogen Peroxide as a Reducing Agent:**
- Conversely, hydrogen peroxide can also act as a reducing agent.
- For instance, when reacting with lead dioxide (PbO₂), it reduces lead from an oxidation state of +4 to +2, resulting in the formation of lead monoxide (PbO), water (H₂O), and oxygen (O₂).
- This shows that hydrogen peroxide is acting as a reducing agent in this reaction.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Since hydrogen peroxide can act both as an oxidizing agent and as a reducing agent, the correct answer to the question is that hydrogen peroxide is used as both an oxidizing and reducing agent.
- The option "drying agent" is incorrect as hydrogen peroxide does not serve that purpose.

**Final Answer:**
The correct option is: **Both oxidizing and reducing agent.**

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