Oxidizing agent

An oxidizing agent is a substance that helps other materials lose electrons during a chemical reaction. In doing so, it gains those electrons itself. This process is called oxidation. Think of the oxidizing agent as the "electron thief" that promotes oxidation in other substances. Common examples include oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine. They are important in various processes like cleaning, disinfecting, and industrial manufacturing. Essentially, an oxidizing agent facilitates oxidation by accepting electrons, enabling chemical reactions to occur, often changing the substances involved in the process.