Question

What does the standard reduction potential indicate about a half-reaction?

Answer 1

Answer: The correct statement is the larger the standard reduction potential, the more likely the half-reaction will occur as a reduction.

Explanation:

Standard reduction potential is defined as the tendency of a chemical species to get reduced. This is measured in volts at standard conditions.

If the specie has negative reduction potential, it means that it will easily loose electrons and thus, will get oxidized.

Similarly, if the species has positive reduction potential, it means that it will easily gain electrons and thus, will be reduced.

For Example: The reduction potentials of $Zn^{2+}\text{ and }Cu^{2+}$ are given as:

$E^o_{Zn^{2+}/Zn}=-0.76V$

$E^o_{Cu^{2+}/Cu}=+0.34V$

The copper ion will get easily reduced as compared to zinc ion.

Hence, the correct statement is the larger the standard reduction potential, the more likely the half-reaction will occur as a reduction.

Answer 2

Hey there!

The standard reduction potential indicates a half-reaction because the larger the standard reduction potential, the more likely the half-reaction will occur as a reduction.
This means your answer is the 1st option.

Hope this helps you.
Have a great day (: