Answer: Co lose two electrons and thus gets oxidized and acts as reducing agent.
[tex]F_2[/tex] gain two electrons and thus gets reduced and acts as oxidizing agent.
Explanation:
Oxidation reaction : When there is an increase in oxidation state number by loss of electrons
Reduction reaction : when there is a decrease in oxidation state number by gain of electrons.
[tex]Co(s)+F_2(g)\rightarrow Co^{2+}(aq)+2F^-(aq)[/tex]
Cobalt metal has undergone oxidation, as its oxidation state is changing from 0 to 2+.
Florine gas has undergone reduction, as its oxidation state is changing from 0 to -1.
The chemical agent which itself get oxidized and reduce others is called reducing agent. Thus Co is a reducing agent.
The chemical agent which itself get reduced and oxidize others is called oxidizing agent. [tex]F_2[/tex] is an oxidizing agent.