Question

Which of the following metal cations is the strongest oxidizing agent?

a) Cu2+; EoCu2+/Cu = + 0.34 V

b) Al3+; EoAl3+/Al = -1.66 V

c) Sn2+; EoSn2+/Sn = -0.14 V

d) Ag+; EoAg+/Ag = + 0.80 V

e) Mn2+; EoMn2+/Mn = -1.18 V

Answer 1

Answer: Option (d) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

An oxidizing agent is defined as the substance that itself gains an electron and helps in oxidation of another substance.

For example, $Ag^{+} + 1e^{-} \rightarrow Ag$

Here, $Ag^{+}$ is the oxidizing agent.

Also, a substance with more positive value of electrode potential will be the strongest oxidizing agent. Whereas a substance with more negative value of electrode potential will be the strongest reducing agent.

Therefore, out of the given options $Ag^{+}$ has the highest positive value of electrode potential so, $Ag^{+}$ is the strongest oxidizing agent.