Question

The standard reduction potential values of three metallic cations X,Y and Z are $0.52, - 3.03$ and $ - 1.18V$ respectively .The order of reduction powers of the corresponding metals is:
A. $Y > Z > X$
B. $X > Y > Z$
C. $Z > Y > X$
D. $Z > X > Y$

Answer 1

Hint: Here we see In the problem that the standard reduction potential is given of three metallic cations X,Y and Z i.e. $0.52, - 3.03$ and $ - 1.18V$ .Metals always tends to oxidation process ,as metals has negative standard reduction potential .The reduction power will be higher when metals have more negative value. The standard reduction potential is important for the determination of the standard cell potential.

Complete answer:
Reduction potential can be defined as the tendency of chemical species to be reduced by gaining an electron. It is also defined by taking an electrochemical reference of hydrogen which has reduction potential zero, measured in volts (V). The standard reduction potential is an intensive property which means it does not depend on how many times a reaction has occurred. The more positive value of the potential is the more likely it will be reduced When the negative value of reducing electrode potential of metals decreases, the reducing character also decreases due to decreasing cation formation nature which is electron donation tendency. So here the correct order is $Y > Z > X$.

Note: Now we know that the smaller reduction potential of a metal means the more it has reducing power. So, The order of reduction powers of the three metallic cations X,Y and Z are $Y > Z > X$ which is option A where Y has the highest reduction power among the rest of the metals. The standard reduction potential is in a category called standard electrode potential. This can be determined experimentally with the help of standard hydrogen electrodes. Standard reduction potentials are used to determine the standard cell potential.