Examine the following half-reactions and select the strongest reducing agent among the species listed. HgO(s) + H2O(l) + 2e^-
Hg(l) + 2OH^-(aq) E°= 0.0977 V
Zn(OH) ₂(s) + 2e^-
Zn(s) + 2OH^-(aq) E° = -1.25 V
Ag₂O(s) + H₂O(l) + 2e^-
Ag(s) + 2OH^-(aq) E° = 0.342 V
B(OH) ₃(aq) + 7H⁺(aq) + 8e^-
BH4^-(aq) + 3H₂O(l) E° = -0.481 V

Question

Examine the following half-reactions and select the strongest reducing agent among the species listed. HgO(s) + H2O(l) + 2e^-

Hg(l) + 2OH^-(aq) E°= 0.0977 V
Zn(OH) ₂(s) + 2e^-

Zn(s) + 2OH^-(aq) E° = -1.25 V
Ag₂O(s) + H₂O(l) + 2e^-

Ag(s) + 2OH^-(aq) E° = 0.342 V
B(OH) ₃(aq) + 7H⁺(aq) + 8e^-

BH4^-(aq) + 3H₂O(l) E° = -0.481 V

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The strongest reducing agent is the species that will have the most negative E° value. Among the given half-reactions, Zn(s) has the most negative E° value of -1.25 V, indicating that it is the strongest reducing agent.

Examine the Following Half-Reactions and Select the Strongest Reducing Agent