Question

Which half-reaction is most easily oxidized?

Answer options:
Al3+ + 3e- Al = -1.66 V
Cu2+ + 2e- Cu = 0.34 V
Fe3+ + e- Fe2+ = 0.77 V
Na+ + e- Na = -2.71 V
Pb2+ + 2e- Pb = -0.13 V

Answer 1

Which half-reaction is most easily oxidized?

Answer: Na^+ + e → Na= -2.71 V (D for plato users)

Answer 2

Na+ + e- Na = -2.71 V

Step-by-step explanation:

We have to remember the nomenclature for redox reactions:

Oxidation:

`M~->~M^++e^-`

Reduction:

`M^+ + e^-~ ->M`

So, all the answer options are written as reductions. Therefore the voltage values, in this case, would be the reduction potentials. If we have a higher (positive) potential the compound would be more inclined to a reduction and vice-versa if we have a smaller potential (negative) the compound would be more inclined to oxidation.

In this case, the most negative value is for Na+, so this atom would be more easily oxidized.