Question

What does a positive standard reduction potential mean about a given element?

The element is more readily oxidized than hydrogen.

The element is more readily oxidized than most other elements.

The element is more readily reduced than hydrogen.

The element is more readily reduced than most other elements.

Answer 1

When a positive standard reduction potential is stated, it means that a given element is more readily reduced than most other elements. It measures the ability of a molecule to be negatively charged by taking up new electrons.This only mean that it can easily add electrons than other elements.

Answer 2

The correct statement is " The element is more readily reduced than hydrogen." A hydrogen electrode is always attached to the rod of the element being investigated to obtain the electrode potential. It is called a standard hydrogen electrode, because the conditions are standard with pressure at 1 atm and the concentration of
`H^+` ions at 1M. A positive standard reduction potential means the element's electrode forms its metal ions less readily than hydrogen, which leads to the electrode being reduced by gaining electrons and the potential difference giving a positive value.