Question
On another planet, a student reported that, as oxidizing agents, elements R is red, D is blue and M is green. These elements when reduced to anions all form colorless ions: R-, D- and M-. The following data were collected giving the color of the solution containing just the oxidizing agent/ the color of the solution after adding a solution of the anion. Which element - R, D or M - is the strongest oxidizing agent? Arrange the elements - R, D and M - in order of increasing oxidizing power. Write the net ionic equation showing the reaction of the strongest oxidizing agent with one of the anions that it oxidized.
Explanation / Answer
(a)D is the strongest oxidising agent as it completely oxidises the other element represented by change in colour and does not revert back. (b) M D- R- ------------> R + e-