Question

Is $A{{g}_{2}}O$ a mild oxidizing agent?

Answer 1

Hint: An oxidizing agent is the species that can accept the electrons and oxidize other substances by itself getting reduced. It can gain electrons in any reaction. The oxidation states of atoms in any compound define their ability towards oxidation, and thus their behavior as oxidizing agents. Good oxidizing agents have a higher oxidation state.

Complete answer:
Oxidation is the reaction in which addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen occurs, also in oxidation there is loss of electrons. Oxidizing agent is the substance that has the ability to get reduced by losing electrons or oxygen or gaining hydrogen. So, when oxidation occurs, the oxidizing agent gets reduced and carries out the oxidation by donating oxygen atoms.
A mild oxidizing agent is a weaker oxidizing agent that can oxidize any substance to an extent and not above that. Silver (I) oxide $A{{g}_{2}}O$ is considered as a mild oxidizing agent. It can be used in the oxidation of an aldehyde to convert it into a carboxylic acid as:
$C{{H}_{3}}CHO\xrightarrow{A{{g}_{2}}O}C{{H}_{3}}COOH$
Hence, $A{{g}_{2}}O$ is used as a mild oxidizing agent.

Note:
A strong oxidizing agent is the one that is capable of oxidizing an alcohol into an aldehyde and further that aldehyde into carboxylic acid. Strong oxidizing agents are the group of peroxides, chlorates, and permanganates. Some of them are chromic acid, potassium permanganate, perchloric acid, concentrated sulfuric acid, etc. While some mild oxidizing agents are Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC), chromium oxide, and silver oxide, etc.