Which of the following cations is capable of oxidizing...

Question

Given:

Pb²⁺(aq) + 2e^– --> Pb(s); E° = –0.13 V

Zn²⁺(aq) + 2e^– --> Zn(s); E° = –0.76 V

Al³⁺(aq) + 3e^– --> Al(s); E° = –1.66 V

Mg²⁺(aq) + 2e^– -->  Mg(s); E° = –2.38 V

V²⁺(aq) + 2e^– -->  V(s); E° = –1.18 V

Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e^–  Cu(s); E° = 0.34 V

Which of the following cations is capable of oxidizing Pb to Pb²⁺ under standard-state conditions?

a. V 2+

b. Al 3+

c. Mg 2+

d. Zn 2+

e. Cu 2+

Answer 1

Any reaction with a reduction potential greater than -0.13 V will be preferentially reduced, thus oxidizing Pb2+.

So, that would be:

e) Cu²⁺