Question

Given standard reduction potentials E° (volts): Na+ + e– --> Na –2.71 Al3+ + 3e– --> Al –1.66 Fe2+ + 2e– --> Fe –0.44 Cu2+ + 2e– --> Cu +0.34 Ag+ + e– --> Ag +0.80 Which of the following species can be spontaneously reduced by iron metal?

Answer 1

Explanation:

According to the electrochemical series, more positive is the $E_{o}$ value then more will be tendency of the oxidized form to get reduced by accepting electrons.

Similarly, more negative is the value of $E_{o}$ then more will be tendency of the reduced form to get oxidized by donating electrons.

In the given situation, $Fe^{2+} + 2e^{-} \rightarrow Fe$,    $E^{o}_{cell}$ = -0.44  

Therefore, we can conclude that metal which spontaneously gets reduced by iron metal is $Cu^{+}$ and Ag as these have positive $E^{o}_{cell}$ values.