In: Chemistry
Using a table of standard electrode potentials, decide which of the following statements is completely true.
A. Cu2+ can oxidize H2, and Fe can reduce Mn2+ .
B. Ni2+ can oxidize Cu2+, and Fe2+ can reduce H+ .
C. Fe2+ can oxidize H2, and Fe2+ can reduce Au3+ .
D. Br2 can oxidize Ni, and H2 can reduce Mn2+ .
E. H + can oxidize Fe, and Ni can reduce Br2.
Answer: E.. but why? can you explain why A-D are incorrect and why E is right. I know it has something to do with how they are positioned on the standard reduction potential list, but I dont understand the concept, which I will need to know for my exam. thank you!
E is correct option.
Explaination: H+ can oxidize Fe because the oxidation potential of Fe is more than H2.
Fe Fe2+ + 2e- E0 = 0.44V
H H+ + e- E0 = 0V
also, Ni can reduce Br2 because reduction potential of Ni is more than Br2.
Ni2+ + 2e- Ni E0 = -0.25V
2Br - Br2 + 2e- E0 = -1.087V
why A & D are incorrect?
Explaination: oxidation potential of Fe is less than Mn2+ so Fe can not reduce Mn2+
Fe + 2e- Fe2+ E0 = 0.44V
Mn + 2e- Mn2+ E0 = 1.185V
and,
Br2 can not oxidize Ni because oxidation potential of Br2 is less than Ni.
2Br- Br2 + 2e- E0 = -1.0873V
Ni2+ + 2e- Ni E0 = -0.25V