Statement I: Zn 2+ possesses greater oxidizing power than Sn 2+
Statement II: The metal ion of the metal with lower –ve potential (or) higher +ve potential is a better oxidizing agent than the metal ion of the metal with higher –ve potential or less +ve potential
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is option 4 - Statement I is false but Statement II is correct
The complete statement is: Oxidizing power depends on the standard reduction potential; the species with higher (more positive) reduction potential acts as a stronger oxidizing agent.
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Standard reduction potentials:
Zn²⁺/Zn = −0.76 V
Sn²⁺/Sn = −0.14 V
Since Sn²⁺ has a higher (less negative) reduction potential than Zn²⁺, it is a better oxidizing agent.
Therefore, Zn²⁺ does NOT possess greater oxidizing power than Sn²⁺, so Statement I is actually incorrect based on data.
However, Statement II correctly states the general rule about oxidizing agents.
Thus, the correct interpretation is:
Statement I is false, Statement II is correct → Option (4).