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Chapter 18: Problem 58

Consider only the species (at standard conditions) $$\mathrm{Br}^{-}, \mathrm{Br}_{2}, \mathrm{H}^{+}, \quad \mathrm{H}_{2}, \quad \mathrm{La}^{3+}, \quad \mathrm{Ca}, \quad \mathrm{Cd}$$ in answering the following questions. Give reasons for your answers. a. Which is the strongest oxidizing agent? b. Which is the strongest reducing agent? c. Which species can be oxidized by \(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{-}\) in acid? d. Which species can be reduced by \(\mathrm{Zn}(s)\) ?

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. The strongest oxidizing agent is \(Br_2\) (E° = 1.087 V). b. The strongest reducing agent is Ca (E° = -2.870 V). c. Br⁻, H⁺, La³⁺, Ca, and Cd can be oxidized by MnO₄⁻ in acid. d. Br₂ and H⁺ can be reduced by Zn(s).

Step by step solution

01

Find the reduction potentials of the given species

Using a standard reduction potential table, we can find the values for the given species at standard conditions: Br⁻ + e⁻ → Brˉ² | E° = -1.087 V Br₂ + 2e⁻ → 2Br⁻ | E° = 1.087 V H⁺ + e⁻ → Hˉ | E° = 0.000 V 2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₂(gas) | E° = 0.000 V La³⁺ + 3e⁻ → La(s) | E° = -2.380 V Ca²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Ca(s) | E° = -2.870 V Cd²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cd(s) | E° = -0.403 V
02

Answer question a (strongest oxidizing agent)

As mentioned in the analysis, the strongest oxidizing agent is the one with the highest reduction potential. Comparing the given species' reduction potentials, we find that Br₂ has the highest reduction potential of 1.087 V. Therefore, the strongest oxidizing agent is Br₂.
03

Answer question b (strongest reducing agent)

Similarly, the strongest reducing agent is the species with the lowest reduction potential. Comparing the given species' reduction potentials, we find that Ca has the lowest reduction potential of -2.870 V. Therefore, the strongest reducing agent is Ca.
04

Find the reduction potential of MnO₄⁻ in acid

To answer question c, we need the reduction potential of MnO₄⁻ in acid: MnO₄⁻ + 8H⁺ + 5e⁻ → Mn²⁺ + 4H₂O | E° = 1.507 V
05

Answer question c (species oxidized by MnO₄⁻ in acid)

We can see that the reduction potential of MnO₄⁻ in acid is 1.507 V. A species can be oxidized by MnO₄⁻ if its reduction potential is lower than this value. Comparing with the given species' reduction potentials, we find that Br⁻, H⁺, La³⁺, Ca, and Cd can be oxidized by MnO₄⁻ in acid.
06

Find the reduction potential of Zn(s)

To answer question d, we need the reduction potential of Zn: Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Zn(s) | E° = -0.763 V
07

Answer question d (species reduced by Zn(s))

We can see that the reduction potential of Zn(s) is -0.763 V. A species can be reduced by Zn(s) if its reduction potential is higher than this value. Comparing with the given species' reduction potentials, we find that Br₂ and H⁺ can be reduced by Zn(s).

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