Question

Define reducing power and explain its trend in the periodic table.

Answer 1

Hint: Modern periodic table consists of 18 vertical columns known as groups arranged as left to right and seven horizontal rows known as periods arranged from top to bottom. In this periodic table elements are arranged according to their atomic number and this table divides the elements into s, p, d and f-block elements on the basis of their valence shell electrons.

Complete answer:
Reducing power is defined as the potential or we can say power of any substance to reduce another substance. This can be done either by addition or removal of hydrogen or by loss or gain of electrons. This can also be known by reducing or oxidizing processes like if a substance loses the electrons then it gets oxidized and if it gains an electron then it gets reduced. Hence in this way we can explain the reducing power of any substance that readily loses or gains electrons or hydrogen atoms.
As we go down the group the reducing power increases this can be explained on the basis of atomic size as we know that atomic size increases by moving down the group as the pull of the nucleus on the valence electron decreases so the element loses electron easily and its reducing power increases as transfer of electrons is easy.

Note:
 Group 1, 2,13-17 are known as main group elements in which the last electron will enter in s or p subshell, group 3-12 are known by the name transition elements and also called d-group elements and group 18 is of inert gases or noble gases.