Chapter 21, Problem 59QAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Based on the $({\text{E}}_{\text{red}}^{\text{0}})$ values, the species that will be reduced by H₂ O₂ needs to be deduced from the given options.

Concept introduction:

1. Redox reactions are chemical reactions which involve transfer of electrons between two species. They are represented by two half reactions: oxidation which involves loss of electrons and reduction which involves gain of electrons.
2. Each half reaction is associated with a standard voltage: $({\text{E}}_{\text{oxd}}^{\text{0}})$ for the oxidation process and $({\text{E}}_{\text{red}}^{\text{0}})$ for the reduction process.
3. In a redox reaction, an oxidizing agent is the species which has a greater tendency to accept electrons, i.e. they have a more positive value for ${\text{E}}_{\text{red}}^{\text{0}}$.
4. A reducing agent will have a greater tendency to lose electrons, i.e., they have a more negative value for ${\text{E}}_{\text{red}}^{\text{0}}$.