Question

Which half-reaction is most easily oxidized?

Answer 1

Which half-reaction is most easily oxidized?

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

Answer 2

Answer:

Na+ + e- Na = -2.71 V

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.