.
Similarly, you may ask, is an active metal a good reducing agent?
Atoms, ions, and molecules that have an unusually large affinity for electrons tend to be good oxidizing agents. Good reducing agents include the active metals, such as sodium, magnesium, aluminum, and zinc, which have relatively small ionization energies and low electro-negativities.
Subsequently, question is, which metal is the strongest reducing agent? Lithium
Then, what makes a good reducing agent?
Strong reducing agents easily lose (or donate) electrons. Good reducing agents tend to consist of atoms with a low electronegativity, the ability of an atom or molecule to attract bonding electrons, and species with relatively small ionization energies serve as good reducing agents too.
Why non metals are good oxidizing agents?
Because in order for a substance to undergo reduction and become an oxidizing agent, the substance must gain electrons. Non metals therefore gain electrons while they are in their pure form. So, non-metals are good oxidizing agents.