Question

Standard electrode potential of three metals $X, Y $ and $Z$ are $-1.2\,V, + 0.5\,V$ and $-3.0\,V $respectively. The reducing power of these metals will be

• A. Y > X > Z
• B. Z > X > Y
• C. X > Y >Z
• D. Y >Z >X

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the reducing power of metals based on their standard electrode potentials, we need to consider the concept of standard electrode potential values.

The standard electrode potential (\(E^\circ\)) is a measure of the tendency of a chemical species to be reduced, which is the gain of electrons. A more negative \(E^\circ\) indicates a greater tendency for the species to lose electrons and therefore act as a reducing agent.

Let's analyze the given standard electrode potentials:

• Metal \(X\): \(E^\circ = -1.2\,V\)
• Metal \(Y\): \(E^\circ = +0.5\,V\)
• Metal \(Z\): \(E^\circ = -3.0\,V\)

The reducing power of metals is inverse to their standard electrode potential: the more negative the \(E^\circ\), the stronger the reducing ability. Thus, the order of reducing power from strongest to weakest is:

• Metal \(Z\) with \(E^\circ = -3.0\,V\)
• Metal \(X\) with \(E^\circ = -1.2\,V\)
• Metal \(Y\) with \(E^\circ = +0.5\,V\)

Thus, the reducing power of the metals in order is \(Z \gt X \gt Y\).

This corresponds to the correct option:

• Z > X > Y