The atomic number of four elements A, B, C and D are given below.
Select the option that can act as a reducing agent for all the other options in a reaction.
A - 11, B - 15, C - 8 and D - 9
The atomic number of four elements A, B, C and D are given below.
Select the option that can act as a reducing agent for all the other options in a reaction.
A - 11, B - 15, C - 8 and D - 9
The correct option is A Element A
The atomic number of elements not only gives us the number of protons but also the number of electrons as well.
So we can identify the atom given to us by the atomic number and we can get the electronic configuration of these elements as well. The electronic configuration of the four elements is given below along with the name of the element.
A(Sodium) electronic configuration 2, 8, 1. So the valency is 1 as it needs to donate 1 electron for octet configuration.
B(Phosphorus) electronic configuration 2, 8, 5. So the valency is 3 as it needs 3 electrons for octet configuration.
C(Oxygen) electronic configuration 2,6. So the valency is 2 as it needs 2 electrons for octet configuration.
D(Fluorine) electronic configuration 2, 7. So the valency is 1 as it needs 1 electron for octet configuration.
So except for element A which is sodium, all the other elements need electrons to complete their octet configuration. This means in a reaction among the following options only sodium atoms can donate electrons to all the other options. Since element A(sodium) donates electrons, therefore, element A undergoes oxidation and hence is the reducing agent for all the other options.
Element A
The atomic number of elements not only gives us the number of protons but also the number of electrons as well.
So we can identify the atom given to us by the atomic number and we can get the electronic configuration of these elements as well. The electronic configuration of the four elements is given below along with the name of the element.
A(Sodium) electronic configuration 2, 8, 1. So the valency is 1 as it needs to donate 1 electron for octet configuration.
B(Phosphorus) electronic configuration 2, 8, 5. So the valency is 3 as it needs 3 electrons for octet configuration.
C(Oxygen) electronic configuration 2,6. So the valency is 2 as it needs 2 electrons for octet configuration.
D(Fluorine) electronic configuration 2, 7. So the valency is 1 as it needs 1 electron for octet configuration.
So except for element A which is sodium, all the other elements need electrons to complete their octet configuration. This means in a reaction among the following options only sodium atoms can donate electrons to all the other options. Since element A(sodium) donates electrons, therefore, element A undergoes oxidation and hence is the reducing agent for all the other options.
