Question

Which of the following is not a correct statement. about electrochemical series of reduction potentials?

• A. The standard electrode potential of hydrogen is 0.00 volts.
• B. Active non- metals have positive reduction potentials.
• C. Active metals have negative reduction potentials.
• D. Metals which have positive reduction potentials are good reducing agent.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Metals which have positive reduction potentials are good reducing agent.

A. A Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE) is an reference electrode used in all half-cell potential reactions. The value of the standard electrode potential is zero, which forms the basis needed to calculate various cell potentials using different electrodes or different concentrations.

Therefore, the standard electrode potential is defined for hydrogen of hydrogen is 0.00 volts.

B. Oxidising nature depends on the tendency to accept electron or electrons. More the value of reduction potential, higher is the tendency to accept electron(s). Thus, active non- metals (elements that belong to halogen family) have higher reduction potential than hydronium ion and have positive reduction potentials.

C. Metals have strong tendency to loos electron as they are eelctropositive in nature. Thus have lower reduction potential than hydronium ions i.e. Active metals (elements on the left side of periodic table i.e. alkali and alkaline earth metals)have negative reduction potentials.

D. Metals with positive reduction potential will tend to accept electron easily and will get reduced. Thus are good oxidants/oxidising agents.