Question

Ba2+(aq) + 2 e− → Ba(s)	E⁰red  = −2.912 V
Li+(aq) + e− → Li(s)	E⁰red  = −3.040 V
Mg2+(aq) + 2 e− → Mg(s)	E⁰red  = −2.372 V
Cd2+(aq) + 2 e− → Cd(s)	E⁰red  = −0.403 V
1) Rank the following in order from weakest to strongest oxidizing agent: Ba2+(aq), Li+(aq), Mg2+(aq), Cd2+(aq). (Use the appropriate <, =, or > symbol to separate substances in the list. Include states-of-matter under the given conditions in your answer.) 2) Rank the following in order from weakest to strongest reducing agent: Ba(s), Li(s), Mg(s), Cd(s). (Use the appropriate <, =, or > symbol to separate substances in the list. Include states-of-matter under the given conditions in your answer.)

Answer 1

PART 1

Oxidizing agent : oxidizing agent is a substance which itself undergoes reduction & oxidizes another substance is called as oxidizing agent.

We know that , element having more positive value of reduction potential have more tendency to undergo reduction & it acts as good oxidizing agent.

From given values of reduction potentials , we can rank given substances as shown below.

Weakest oxidizing agent : Li ⁺ (aq) < Ba ²⁺ (aq) < Mg ²⁺ (aq) < Cd ²⁺ (aq) Strongest oxidizing agent

PART 2

reducing agent : Reducing agent is a substance which itself undergoes oxidation & reduces another substance is called as oxidizing agent.

We know that , element having more positive value of reduction potential have more tendency to undergo reduction & it acts as good oxidizing agent.

Element having less positive value of reduction potential have more tendency to undergo oxidation & it acts as good reducing agent.

From given values of reduction potentials , we can rank given substances as shown below.

Weakest reducing agent : Cd (s) < Mg (s) < Ba (s) < Li (s) Strongest reducing agent