Reducing Agents and Standard Reduction Potentials

In summary, according to the chart of reduction potentials in the book, the strongest reducing agent from the list given is Al. And for the second question, the reagent that can transform Fe+3 to Fe+2 is H2.
  • #1
Soaring Crane
469
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1) The strongest reducing agent from those listed is: Use your book.

a. Fe+3
b. Fe+2
c. Al+3
d. Al

After looking at the chart of reduction potentials in my book, is it
Al?

2) Select the reagent that will transform Fe+3 to Fe+2.
a. H2
b. O2
c. Br-
d. H+

Well, this is asking for the reducing reagent of Fe (3+), so is the answer H+ since reducing agents reduce oxzidizing agents above it?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
I don't have a chart with me, but I think the answer for the first one would be the one with the lowest standard reduction potential. The answer to the second one would be the one that has a lower reduction potential than Fe3+.
 
  • #3
Looking at the second one again, would H2 actually reduce Fe (3+) rather than H+, which is actually an oxidizing agent?
 

FAQ: Reducing Agents and Standard Reduction Potentials

1. What is a reducing agent?

A reducing agent, also known as a reductant, is a substance that donates electrons to another substance in a chemical reaction. This results in a decrease in the oxidation state of the substance receiving the electrons.

2. How do reducing agents affect standard reduction potentials?

The strength of a reducing agent is directly related to its standard reduction potential. The higher the standard reduction potential, the stronger the reducing agent is. This means that a reducing agent with a higher standard reduction potential will have a greater tendency to donate electrons and reduce other substances in a chemical reaction.

3. What is the relationship between reduction potential and the direction of electron flow?

The direction of electron flow is determined by the difference in reduction potentials between two substances in a chemical reaction. Electrons flow from the substance with a lower reduction potential to the substance with a higher reduction potential. This results in a decrease in the oxidation state of the substance with the higher reduction potential.

4. How is the standard reduction potential of a substance determined?

The standard reduction potential of a substance is determined by comparing it to the reduction potential of the standard hydrogen electrode, which has a defined reduction potential of 0 volts. Substances are then ranked based on their reduction potentials, with stronger reducing agents having higher reduction potentials.

5. Can reducing agents be used in both oxidation and reduction reactions?

Yes, reducing agents can be used in both oxidation and reduction reactions. In an oxidation reaction, the reducing agent donates electrons to the oxidizing agent, causing a decrease in its oxidation state. In a reduction reaction, the reducing agent receives electrons from the oxidizing agent, causing an increase in its oxidation state. However, reducing agents are more commonly used in reduction reactions due to their ability to easily donate electrons.

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