Question

The element that is the best oxidizing agent is:

• A. $Ca$
• B. $Au$
• C. $H$
• D. $Fe$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$Au$

Option B is the correct answer.

Electrochemical series is the arrangement of elements in the order of increasing reduction potential values.

The metals on the top have a tendency to lose electrons readily and are good reducing agents.

Those elements at the bottom have a good tendency to gain electrons and are very good oxidizing agents.

Among all these elements, $Au$ lies at the bottom of this series and hence it is a good oxidising agent.