A reducing agent is a substance that reduces another substance by:

 giving hydrogen to the substance

 removing oxygen from the substance
 giving electrons to the substance

In the process of reducing another substance, the reducing agent itself becomes oxidised.

Common Reducing Agents are:

 Potassium iodide, KI (colourless solution)

 Reactive metals such as Mg, Zn
 Hydrogen gas, H2
 Carbon, C
 Carbon monoxide, CO
 Hydrogen sulfide, H2S
 Sulfur dioxide, SO2

Test for Oxidising Agent: Use of a Reducing Agent e.g. aqueous potassium iodide, KI(aq)
Observation: Colourless solution turns brown.

Chemistry behind it: 2I–(aq) => I2(aq) + 2e–

An oxidising agent is a substance that oxidises another substance by

 giving oxygen to the substance

 removing hydrogen from the substance
 receiving electrons to the substance

In the process of oxidising another substance, the oxidising agent itself becomes reduced

Common Oxidising Agents are:

 Acidified potassium manganate (VII), KMnO4 (purple solution)

 Acidified potassium dichromate (VI), K2Cr2O7 (orange solution)
 Halogens e.g. Cl2, Br2
 Concentrated Sulfuric acid, H2SO4
 Nitric acid, HNO3
 Oxygen, O2

Test for Reducing Agent: Use of an Oxidising Agent e.g. acidified potassium manganate (VII).
Observation: Purple solution decolourises.

Chemistry behind it: MnO4–(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e– => Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)