[Gammagirl]

Which element or ion is the best reducing agent? Select one: a. I2(s) b. O2(g) c. I–(aq) d. Hg22+(aq) e. Pd(s)
I am confused. Look up the electron potentials, is confusing to me due to the flipping of the equations. Can someone explain the technique?
Intuitively, I would think the answer is c. I- (the most negative) However, by looking at the table of potentials the answer would be I2(s)?

[Arkcon]

Well, you've done some of the work, let's try to do some more.

Anything can oxidize or reduce anything else, depending on how oxidized or reduced the other thing is.  So this sort of question can get muddled.

However.   O₂.  Gas.  Oxygen.  Oxi-gen.  As in the oxi-generator?  Is that a reducing agent, usually?  Wouldn't it be ... something else?  Usually?

Pd(s).  Palladium metal.  A solid, used for jewelry.  Does that ever oxidize?  So if it doesn't, can you do that?

Try sorting as a table, instead of a paragraph.  We can work with you step-wise.