Standard reduction potentials of the half reactions are given below $\begin{array}{ll} \mathrm{F}_2(g)+2…

Standard reduction potentials of the half reactions are given below $\begin{array}{ll} \mathrm{F}_2(g)+2 e^{-} \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{~F}^{-}(a q) ; & E^{\circ}=+2.85 \mathrm{~V} \\ \mathrm{Cl}_2(g)+2 e^{-} \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{Cl}^{-}(a q) ; & E^{\circ}=+1.36 \mathrm{~V} \\ \mathrm{Br}_2(l)+2 e^{-} \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{Br}^{-}(a q) ; & E^{\circ}=+1.06 \mathrm{~V} \\ \mathrm{I}_2(s)+2 e^{-} \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{I}^{-}(a q) ; & E^{\circ}=+0.53 \mathrm{~V} \end{array}$ The strongest oxidising and reducing agents respectively are
  1. $\mathrm{F}_2$ and $\mathrm{I}^{-}$
  2. $\mathrm{Br}_2$ and $\mathrm{Cl}^{-}$
  3. $\mathrm{Cl}_2$ and $\mathrm{Br}^{-}$
  4. $\mathrm{Cl}_2$ and $\mathrm{I}_2$

Solution

Higher the value of standard reduction potential, stronger will be the oxidising agent. Therefore, $\mathrm{F}_2$ will act as strongest oxidising agent. Similarly lower the value of standard reduction potential, stronger will be the reducing agent. Therefore, $\mathrm{I}^{-}$will act as strongest reducing agent.

Asked in: NEET 2012 (Mains)

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