The following equation is an example of a redox reaction, in which Cl2 is the oxidizing agent and FeBr3 is the reducing agent : 2FeBr3 (aq) + 3Cl2 (g) = 2FeCl 3 (aq) + 3Br2 (l) Which one among the following statements is incorrect for this redox reaction?

In a redox reaction, the definitions of oxidizing and reducing agents are based on electron transfer. An oxidizing agent (oxidant) is a substance that oxidizes other substances by accepting or gaining electrons; consequently, it is itself reduced. Conversely, a reducing agent (reductant) reduces other substances by donating or losing electrons, which causes its own oxidation state to increase as it is itself oxidized. In the provided reaction, chlorine (Cl2) acts as the oxidizing agent by gaining electrons to become chloride ions, while the bromide ions in FeBr3 act as the reducing agent by losing electrons to form Br2. Therefore, the statement that reducing agents 'gain or appear to gain electrons' is incorrect, as they actually lose electrons.