The standard reduction potential for the reduction of RuO4^-(aq) to RuO4^2-(aq) is +0.59 V. By using Appendix E, which of the following substances can oxidize RuO4^2-(aq) to RuO4^-(aq) under standard conditions: Br2(l), BrO3^-(aq), Mn^2+(aq), O2(g), Sn^2+(aq)?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the problem by identifying the given standard reduction potential for the reduction of RuO_4^-(aq) to RuO_4^{2-}(aq), which is +0.59 V.

Step 2: Recognize that to determine which substances can oxidize RuO_4^{2-}(aq) to RuO_4^-(aq), we need to find substances with a higher standard reduction potential than +0.59 V.

Step 3: Use Appendix E to look up the standard reduction potentials for the given substances: Br2(l), BrO3^-(aq), Mn^{2+}(aq), O2(g), and Sn^{2+}(aq).

Step 4: Compare the standard reduction potentials of these substances to +0.59 V. A substance can oxidize RuO_4^{2-}(aq) if its standard reduction potential is greater than +0.59 V.

Step 5: Identify and list the substances with standard reduction potentials greater than +0.59 V, as these are capable of oxidizing RuO_4^{2-}(aq) to RuO_4^-(aq).

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Standard Reduction Potential

Standard reduction potential (E°) is a measure of the tendency of a chemical species to gain electrons and be reduced. It is measured in volts and is determined under standard conditions (1 M concentration, 1 atm pressure, and 25°C). A higher E° value indicates a greater ability to be reduced, while a lower value suggests a weaker tendency. In this question, the E° of +0.59 V for RuO4^-(aq) indicates that it can be reduced to RuO4^2-(aq) under standard conditions.

Oxidizing and Reducing Agents

An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction, causing another substance to be oxidized. Conversely, a reducing agent loses electrons, facilitating the reduction of another species. To determine which substances can oxidize RuO4^2-(aq) to RuO4^-(aq), one must identify those with a higher standard reduction potential than +0.59 V, as they can effectively accept electrons from RuO4^2-(aq).

Electrochemical Series

The electrochemical series is a list of standard reduction potentials for various half-reactions, arranged from the strongest oxidizing agents (highest E°) to the strongest reducing agents (lowest E°). This series allows chemists to predict the feasibility of redox reactions. By consulting this series, one can compare the E° values of the given substances (Br2, BrO3^-, Mn^2+, O2, Sn^2+) to determine which can oxidize RuO4^2-(aq) based on their respective potentials.

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