Terminology of redox reactions: which species are the oxidizing and reducing agents? I've got a question regarding 'notation' for redox reactions. Suppose you are asked to identify the oxidizing and reducing agents for a simple reaction like this one:

$$\ce{Cl2(aq)}+\ce{2KI(aq)} \longrightarrow \ce{2KCl(aq)}+\ce{I2(aq)}$$

Now are you supposed to say $\ce{Cl}$ is the oxidizing agent or $\ce{Cl2}$? Also, is $\ce{KI}$ the reducing agent or $\ce{I}$ or $\ce{I^-}$?

By the way, if you were instead asked to identify which species got oxidized, would you again say that $\ce{KI}$ is oxidized or $\ce{I}$ or $\ce{I^-}$?
Ignoring spectator ions, 

$\ce{Cl2 +2 I- -&gt;2Cl- +I2}$

So, $\ce{Cl2}$ is the oxidant and $\ce{I-}$ is the reductant.