Zinc metal reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas and an aqueous solution of zinc(ii) chloride. what is the reducing agent in this reaction? maybe prof. umbridge was right in trying to remove her.

zinc is the reducing agent.

Explanation:

1) Reducing agent is the agent that releases electrons, is oxidized (its oxidation number increases)   and causes the reduction of the other agent (the reduced spices reduces its oxidation state).

2) Chemical equation:

Zn(s) + HCl (aq) → H2(g) + ZnCl2(s)

3) determine the oxidation states of each spices

Zn (s): oxidation state = 0
Zn in ZnCls: oxidation state = + 2.

Therfore Zn was oxidized and is the reducing agen.

H in HCl: oxidtation state = +1

H in H2: oxidation state = 0

Therefore H2 was reduced (it is the oxidizing agent).

It shows that the experiment is designed properly.