Describe a simple test for the presence of an oxidizing agent using aqueous potassium iodide.

Add a few drops of aqueous potassium iodide to a solution containing an unknown agent.

If an oxidizing agent is present in the solution, aqueous potassium iodide will turn from colorless to brown.

In the presence of an oxidizing agent, a redox reaction occurs, turning the iodide ion in KI (which is colorless) to iodine, I2 (which is brown).