What is the oxidizing agent in the given reaction, 2 Na (s) + H 2 (g) → 2 NaH (s)?

Step-by-step solution

In the reaction, hydrogen gas (H₂) is reduced to form hydride ions (H⁻). The substance that causes the reduction by accepting electrons is the oxidizing agent, so hydrogen gas (H₂) is the oxidizing agent in this reaction.