Question

Which of the following acts as a strong reducing agent? (Atomic number : Ce = 58, Eu = 63, Gd = 64, Lu = 71)

• A. $\text{Lu}^{3+}$
• B. $\text{Gd}^{3+}$
• C. $\text{Eu}^{2+}$
• D. $\text{Ce}^{4+}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$\text{Eu}^{2+}$

Answer 2

The strength of a reducing agent is determined by the ability of its ion to donate electrons. The element Eu (Europium) in its $\text{Eu}^{2+}$ state can easily lose an electron to form $\text{Eu}^{3+}$, making it a strong reducing agent. The reduction process is as follows:
$\text{Eu}^{2+} \rightarrow \text{Eu}^{3+} + e^-$

This shows that $\text{Eu}^{2+}$ acts as a strong reducing agent.
Thus, the correct answer is 3, which corresponds to $\text{Eu}^{2+}$.

The Correct Answer is: $\text{Eu}^{2+}$