Question

Alkali metals are powerful reducing agents because

• A. they are metals
• B. they are monovalent
• C. their ionic radii are large
• D. their ionisation energies are low

Hint:

Key Exam Tip:
Powerful reducing agents are easily oxidized, meaning they readily lose electrons. This ease of electron loss is a direct consequence of their low ionization energies.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Alkali metals are powerful reducing agents because they readily lose their single valence electron. This tendency is directly quantified by their low first ionization energies. A low ionization energy signifies that little energy is required to remove this valence electron, enabling alkali metals to easily donate electrons and act as reducing agents.
Final Answer: \(\boxed{D}\)