Question

What is the reducing agent in the redox reaction represented by the following cell notation?
Ba(s) | Ba 2+(aq) || Li+(aq) | Li(s)

Answer 1

The reducing agent is the one that reduces the other species, meaning it is the one that oxidizes itself.

Considering the cell notation, and remembering that it is written from the anode (oxidation occurs there) to the cathode (reduction process takes place), we can deduce that Ba is the anode and Li⁺ is the cathode.

Therefore, Ba (s) is the reducing agent.

I hope it helps.