Question

Identify the correct decreasing order of relative tendency of metals to undergo oxidation from the following.

• A. Cr>Al>Mg>Fe
• B. Mg>Al>Cr>Fe
• C. Al>Fe>Cr>Mg
• D. Fe>Cr>Al>Mg

Hint:

Remember that metals like magnesium have a higher tendency to oxidize because they have a low ionization energy and readily lose electrons.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding oxidation tendency.
The question asks about the tendency of metals to undergo oxidation. The greater the tendency to lose electrons (oxidation), the more easily a metal will undergo oxidation. Magnesium (Mg) has the highest tendency to oxidize, followed by aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), and finally iron (Fe).
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Cr>Al>Mg>Fe: Incorrect. This is not the correct order based on the oxidation tendencies.
(B) Mg>Al>Cr>Fe: Correct — This follows the correct order, with magnesium being the most easily oxidized.
(C) Al>Fe>Cr>Mg: Incorrect. This order places magnesium at the end, which is wrong.
(D) Fe>Cr>Al>Mg: Incorrect. This is the reverse order and does not reflect the actual tendency of these metals to oxidize.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct order is (B) Mg>Al>Cr>Fe, where magnesium has the highest oxidation tendency.