In the reaction 2H$_2$S + SO$_2$ $\longrightarrow$ 3S$\downarrow$ + 2H$_2$O, which reactant acts as the oxidant?

1. H$_2$S loses hydrogen (forming H$_2$O and S), so H$_2$S is oxidised and acts as the reductant. 2. The oxidant is the species that causes this oxidation while being reduced itself. 3. SO$_2$ loses oxygen (it becomes S), i.e. it is reduced, so SO$_2$ is the oxidant. 4. S and H$_2$O are products, not the reacting agents, and H$_2$S is the reductant, not the oxidant, so those options are wrong. _Source: Balbharati (Maharashtra Board) Class 10 Science & Technology, Ch 3 "Chemical Reactions and Equations", p.52_