Chapter 21, Problem 70A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The location of gold in the table for standard reduction electrode potential of species needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: In the standard reduction electrode potential table, elements are arranged in decreasing order of their standard reduction potentials. It shows the tendency of a species to get reduced. An element/ion with a higher standard reduction potential can easily get reduced and an element with a lower standard reduction potential can easily get oxidized.

Explanation of Solution

The standard reduction electrode potential of gold is high and the value is +1.69 V. The value is more than copper and silver; thus, it is placed below in the table. As per the data given in the table, the value is the second highest and thus, gold is placed just above fluorine whose reduction potential is +2.87.