Question

Which of the following redox couple is stronger reducing agent?

a. Li (E⁰ = – 3.05 V) and Mg(E⁰ = – 2.36 V)

b. Zn(E⁰ = – 0.76 V) and Fe(E⁰ = – 0.44 V)

Answer 1

a. Li (E⁰ = – 3.05 V) and Mg(E⁰ = – 2.36 V)

Li has a larger negative value of E⁰ than Mg. 

Thus, 

Li is a stronger reducing agent than Mg.

b. Zn(E⁰ = – 0.76 V) and Fe(E⁰ = – 0.44 V)

Zn has a larger negative value of E⁰ than Fe. 

Thus,

Zn is a stronger reducing agent than Fe.