Question

Assertion (A):$Li$ is the weakest reducing agent among the alkali
Reason (R) : In alkali metals, ionisation energy increases down the group

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. Both A and R are false

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both A and R are false

In alkali metals, ionization energy decreases down the group. Among alkali metals, lithium has highest value of ionization energy. But it has large heat of hydration due to small size. Thus, the hydration energy more than compensates the ionization energy.
Hence it is strongest reducing agent among the alkali metals.