The strongest reducing agent would be the element that would be easily oxidized or easily loses an electron:
• it will be the species moving away from the electrons
• it will be the anode which means it will have the smallest Ecell
The ease to remove an electron from an element is also related to cell potential.
• Smaller (↓) E° → oxidation → stronger reducing agent
• Larger (↑) E° → reduction → weaker reducing agent
We shall refer to the reduction potential table below:
Find and report the reduction potentials of lithium, sodium, and potassium.
Which is the best reducing agent?
Which is the worst reducing agent?
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