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Ch.19 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 19, Problem 74

Arrange the following oxidizing agents in order of increasing strength under standard-state conditions: Br2(aq), MnO4+(aq), Sn4+(aq).

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1
Identify the standard reduction potentials (E°) for each of the given oxidizing agents from a standard reduction potential table.
Recall that a higher standard reduction potential indicates a stronger oxidizing agent.
Compare the E° values of Br2(aq), MnO4+(aq), and Sn4+(aq) to determine their relative strengths as oxidizing agents.
Arrange the oxidizing agents in order of increasing strength based on their E° values.
Verify the order by ensuring that the agent with the highest E° is the strongest oxidizing agent and the one with the lowest E° is the weakest.

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Key Concepts

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

Oxidizing Agents

Oxidizing agents are substances that gain electrons in a chemical reaction, causing another substance to be oxidized. Their strength is determined by their ability to accept electrons; stronger oxidizing agents can more readily oxidize other substances. Understanding the relative strength of different oxidizing agents is crucial for predicting the outcomes of redox reactions.
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Standard-State Conditions

Standard-state conditions refer to a set of specific conditions used to measure and compare the properties of substances, typically defined as 1 bar of pressure and a specified temperature, usually 25°C. Under these conditions, the behavior of substances, including their reactivity as oxidizing agents, can be reliably assessed, allowing for consistent comparisons.
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Electrode Potentials

Electrode potentials, measured in volts, indicate the tendency of a species to be reduced (gain electrons) in an electrochemical reaction. The standard reduction potential values for various half-reactions can be used to rank oxidizing agents by their strength. A higher standard reduction potential corresponds to a stronger oxidizing agent, making it essential for arranging the agents in the question.
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