Question:
Given the standard electrode potentials,
K+/K = −2.93V, Ag+/Ag = 0.80V,
Hg2+/Hg = 0.79V
Mg2+/Mg = −2.37 V, Cr3+/Cr = − 0.74V
Arrange these metals in their increasing order of reducing power.
Solution:
The lower the reduction potential, the higher is the reducing power. The given standard electrode potentials increase in the order of K+/K < Mg2+/Mg < Cr3+/Cr < Hg2+/Hg < Ag+/Ag.
Hence, the reducing power of the given metals increases in the following order:
Ag < Hg < Cr < Mg < K