Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Physical: Electro Chemistry

Question:

If half-cell reaction \(A + e^– \rightarrow A^–\) has a large negative reduction potential, it follows that

Options:

A is readily reduced

A is readily oxidized

A–1 is readily reduced

A–1 is readily oxidized

Correct Answer:

A–1 is readily oxidized

Explanation:

If the half-cell reaction \(A + e^– \rightarrow A^–\) has a large negative reduction potential, it implies that the species A\(^-\) is readily oxidized.

The reduction potential measures the tendency of a species to gain electrons and undergo reduction. However, the sign of the reduction potential is reversed for the oxidation process. A large negative reduction potential for the reduction half-cell reaction corresponds to a large positive oxidation potential for the oxidation half-cell reaction.

Therefore, a large negative reduction potential for the reduction half-cell reaction implies that the species A\(^-\) is easily oxidized.

Hence, the correct answer is (4) A\(^-\) is readily oxidized.