Question

The standard electrode potential of three metals X, Y and Z are -1.2V, +0.5V and -3.0V respectively. The reducing power of these metals will be:
A. X > Y > Z
B. Y > Z > X
C. Y > X > Z
D. Z > X > Y

Answer 1

For this problem, firstly we should know about the standard electrode potential and reducing the power of metal. And then we have to relate the relationship between the two to write the correct order of reducing power.

Complete step by step answer:
- In the given question, we have to write the correct order of reducing the power of the given metals with the help of the given values of standard electrode potential.
- Now, the standard electrode potential is the method to measure the potential of the cell under the standard conditions such as when all the species are present in the unity amount.
- By taking the reference electrode potential also known as standard hydrogen potential we can measure the standard electrode potential of the cell.
- Whereas reducing the power of metal is defined as the ability of the metal with which it can reduce the other metal by the addition of the hydrogen atom or by the removal of the oxygen atom.
- As the value of standard electrode potential becomes more negative it indicates that the reducing power of the metals is increasing.
- So, from the given data we can say that the metal Z will have maximum reducing power and metal Y will have minimum reducing power and more oxidising power.
- The correct order of reducing power will be:
Z > X > Y
So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note: Oxidising power of the metal is the ability to oxidise the other metal by the addition of oxygen or by the removal of hydrogen or addition of the oxygen atom. That's why the reducing power and oxidising power are opposite to each other and inversely proportional.