Question

Which nonmetal has the greatest potential to be oxidized

Answer 1

Answer:

Hydrogen

Explanation:

A reducing agent is a substance which gives up its electrons to become oxidized. Generally, metals are oxidized (reducing agents) while non-metals are reduced (oxidizing agents).

However, hydrogen which is a non-metal is usually oxidized in the presence of stronger oxidizing non-metals such as fluorine and oxygen.

Hydrogen thus, acts as a reducing agent by giving up its electrons to become oxidized. Even though among all non-metals, Hydrogen has the greatest potential to be oxidized, it is a poor reducing agent compared to reactive metals.