Question

Why does reducing factor increase from top to bottom in a group and oxidising character increases left to right in a period?

Answer 1

Dear ​Nishtha Gahlot ,

From top to bottom the size of elements increases hence ionization potential decreases. Due to this the elements get ionize very easily by releasing valence electron. Therefore reducing tendency increases. (Reducing tendency means tendency to reduce others and oxidize them selves).

From left to right the size of elements decreases and electron affinity increses. Electron affinity is the tendency to accept electron and form anion.. Therefore oxidizing tendency increases. (Oxidizing tendency means tendency to oxidize others and reduce them selves).

Removal of electron is called oxidation and acceptance or gain of electron is known as reduction.

Regards