If half-cell reaction \(A + e^– \rightarrow A^–\) has a large negative reduction potential, it follows that
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
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.