Select the strongest reducing agent:
Correct answer: D. Ca
- A. Cl^-
- B. Ne
- C. Na
- D. Ca
Explanation
The correct answer is Ca. Calcium, as a metal, has a low electronegativity and readily donates electrons, making it a strong reducing agent. It easily loses two electrons to form Ca^2+, thereby achieving a stable electronic configuration.In contrast, the chloride ion (Cl^-) tends to gain electrons, acting as an oxidizing agent. Neon (Ne) is inert due to its full valence shell, making it unlikely to participate in electron transfer. Sodium (Na), although it can lose an electron, is not as strong a reducing agent as calcium due to its higher electronegativity.
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About Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation involves loss of electrons, increase in oxidation number or addition of oxygen, while reduction involves electron gain, decrease in oxidation number or removal of oxygen. The topic covers oxidising and reducing agents, oxidation-number changes, redox equations and the distinction between oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode.
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