Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: magnus on February 07, 2019, 02:33:39 AM
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Given the following reduction interest:
E ° (Ag + / Ag) = + 0.80 V
E ° (Zn2 + / Zn) = - 0.76 V
E ° (Fe3 +, Fe2 +) = + 0, 77 V
the strongest reducing agent is: Fe3+, Zn, Ag, Zn2+
I thought that in order to identify which is the strongest reducing agent, it is sufficient to change the sign of its respective reduction potential to turn it into oxidation potential. The bigger the number, the stronger the reducing agent
It should be the Zn, but which Zn or Zn2 +
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All together Zn => Zn2+ +2 e- -0,76 V
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[...] but which, Zn or Zn2+? [...]
To get reduced, the target gains electrons.
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Something that gains (receives) electrons is an oxidant.
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how come among the possible answers are Fe3 +, Zn, Ag, Zn2 +?
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Whoever asks the questions and gives list of answers can put anything they want between answers to select from, even things that completely don't make sense. It is up to someone answering to make the right choice.
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I thought that in order to identify which is the strongest reducing agent, it is sufficient to change the sign of its respective reduction potential to turn it into oxidation potential. The bigger the number, the stronger the reducing agent
It should be the Zn, but which Zn or Zn2 +
Your approach for this question is right ..one with lowest reduction potential is the best reducing agent.
Zn2+ has electronic configuration of [Ar] 3d10 which is stable and can not be further oxidize.
Zn has only one oxidation number +2 .