Answer : The correct option is, carbon (C)
Explanation :
Oxidizing agent : Oxidizing agent are the agent that gains electrons and is reduced in a chemical reaction.
Reducing agent : Reducing agent are the agent that lose electrons and is oxidized in a chemical reaction.
The given balanced chemical reaction is,
[tex]Na_2SO_4+4C\rightarrow Na_2S+4CO[/tex]
First we have to calculate the oxidation number of sulfur and carbon.
The oxidation state of 'S' in [tex]Na_2SO_4[/tex] and [tex]Na_2S[/tex] are, (+6) and (-2) respectively.
The oxidation state of 'C' in [tex]4C[/tex] and [tex]4CO[/tex] are, (0) and (+2) respectively.
From this we conclude that, the [tex]Na_2SO_4[/tex] act as an oxidizing agent and 'C' act as a reducing agent.
Hence, the reducing agent in the following reaction is, carbon (C)
