Answer: [tex]O_2[/tex] acts as oxidizing agent.
Explanation:
Oxidation reaction : When there is an increase in oxidation state number.
Reduction reaction : when there is a decrease in oxidation state number.
[tex]K+O_2\rightarrow KO_2[/tex]
Potassium metal has undergone oxidation, as its oxidation state is changing from 0 to +1. Potassium metal is getting converted into potassium ions.
Oxygen [tex]O_2[/tex] has undergone reduction, as its oxidation state is changing from 0 to -1.
The chemical agent which itself get oxidized and reduce others is called reducing agent and the chemical agent which itself get reduced and oxidizes others is called oxidising agent. Thus [tex]O_2[/tex] acts as oxidizing agent.
