Question

Which element is a strong reducing agent in +2 oxidation state and why? 

Hint:

A strong reducing agent has a more negative electrode potential, as it easily loses electrons and undergoes oxidation.

Answer 1

Zinc as a Strong Reducing Agent in +2 Oxidation State 

The element that acts as a strong reducing agent in its +2 oxidation state is Zinc (Zn).

Zinc has a relatively low standard electrode potential:

\( E^\circ_{\text{Zn}^{2+}/\text{Zn}} = -0.76 \, \text{V} \)

This negative value indicates that metallic zinc readily loses electrons to form \( \text{Zn}^{2+} \) ions:

\( \text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^- \)

The more negative the \( E^\circ \) value, the stronger the reducing power, as it reflects a higher tendency to donate electrons.

Thus, in the +2 oxidation state, zinc acts as a strong reducing agent and is capable of reducing other chemical species by donating electrons.