What does an oxidizing agent do?

An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons during a chemical reaction, which results in its reduction. In this process, the oxidizing agent facilitates the oxidation of another substance by accepting electrons from it. This is why the correct answer highlights the role of the oxidizing agent in gaining electrons and consequently becoming reduced.

To elaborate further, when an oxidizing agent accepts electrons, it plays a crucial role in redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions. For instance, in the reaction between zinc and copper(II) sulfate, copper(II) ions act as the oxidizing agent, gaining electrons from zinc, which subsequently oxidizes. Thus, the oxidizing agent is essential for the flow of electrons in these types of reactions, underscoring its characteristic behavior of gaining electrons and becoming reduced while enabling the oxidation of the other involved reactants.