Question

Alkali metals are powerful reducing agents because:

• A. They are metals
• B. They are monovalent
• C. Their ionic radii are large
• D. Their ionisation energies are low

Hint:

A lower ionization energy means an atom can easily lose electrons, enhancing its reducing power.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Alkali metals have one valence electron. Their low ionization energies facilitate the loss of this electron and subsequent oxidation. Consequently, they function as effective reducing agents. Final Answer:\[\boxed{\text{Their ionization energies are low}}\]