Which metal cation is the best oxidizing agent? a. Zn2+ b. Sn2+ c. Cd2+ d. Ni2+

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Identify the concept of oxidizing agents: An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a redox reaction and is reduced.

Understand that the strength of an oxidizing agent is related to its standard reduction potential. The higher the reduction potential, the better the oxidizing agent.

Look up the standard reduction potentials for each metal cation: Zn^{2+}, Sn^{2+}, Cd^{2+}, and Ni^{2+}.

Compare the standard reduction potentials of the given cations. The cation with the highest standard reduction potential is the best oxidizing agent.

Select the cation with the highest standard reduction potential as the best oxidizing agent.

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Key Concepts

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

Oxidizing Agents

An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction, causing another substance to be oxidized. The strength of an oxidizing agent is often determined by its reduction potential; the higher the reduction potential, the stronger the oxidizing agent. In this context, we need to compare the reduction potentials of the given metal cations to identify which one is the best oxidizing agent.

Reduction Potential

Reduction potential is a measure of the tendency of a chemical species to acquire electrons and be reduced. It is typically expressed in volts and can be found in standard reduction potential tables. A more positive reduction potential indicates a greater ability to act as an oxidizing agent. Understanding these values is crucial for determining which cation is the strongest oxidizer among the options provided.

Metal Cations and Their Properties

Metal cations, such as Zn2+, Sn2+, Cd2+, and Ni2+, have distinct chemical properties that influence their behavior in redox reactions. The position of these metals in the electrochemical series affects their reduction potentials. By analyzing their properties and comparing their standard reduction potentials, we can ascertain which cation is most effective at accepting electrons, thus identifying the best oxidizing agent.

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