What does this mean? Elements or compounds are oxidized/reduced whereas only com

[Stacker]

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Elements or compounds are ozidized/reduced whereas only compounds act as reducing/oxidizing agents.

What does this mean?

 

[Miley13]

Here's an example:

MnO4- + I- -------> Mn2+ + I

When asking what is reduced, the answer can be: MnO4- OR more specifically according to the half reaction, just element Mn

When asking what is the oxidizing agent, the answer can ONLY be: MnO4- (has to be the full reactant from original reaction and not half reaction)

Same for what is oxidized: I- OR just element I (according to half reaction)

And what is reducing agent, the answer can ONLY be: I- (full reactant from original reaction)

 

[Stacker]

Here's an example:

MnO4- + I- -------> Mn2+ + I

When asking what is reduced, the answer can be: MnO4- OR more specifically according to the half reaction, just element Mn

When asking what is the oxidizing agent, the answer can ONLY be: MnO4- (has to be the full reactant from original reaction and not half reaction)

Same for what is oxidized: I- OR just element I (according to half reaction)

And what is reducing agent, the answer can ONLY be: I- (full reactant from original reaction)

Thanks! It's all coming back to me from Chad's videos.