oxygen is a common oxidizing agent in nature. what change in the oxidation number of oxygen must occur if it is to be an oxidizing agent

Respuesta :

Answer is: the oxidation number of oxygen must decrease.

Oxidizing agent is element (substance) that gain electrons in chemical reaction.

For example, balanced chemical reaction: C + O₂ → CO₂.

Oxygen change oxidation number from 0 to oxidation number -2 (reduction) and carbon change from 0 to +4 (oxidation)