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Electrochemical Series

Hardchemistry

Consider the following standard reduction potentials: E°(Ag⁺/Ag) = +0.80 V, E°(Cu²⁺/Cu) = +0.34 V, E°(Zn²⁺/Zn) = −0.76 V, E°(Fe²⁺/Fe) = −0.44 V. Which metal can reduce Cu²⁺ ions but cannot reduce Ag⁺ ions from their aqueous solutions?

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About This Question

Subject
chemistry
Chapter
redox reactions and electrochemistry
Topic
electrochemical series
Difficulty
Hard
Year
2025
Tags
Electrochemical SeriesReducing AgentConceptual

Solution

Correct Answer:

None of the above — any metal that reduces Cu²⁺ will also reduce Ag⁺

A metal can reduce a cation if the metal has a lower (more negative) standard reduction potential than the cation. Since E°(Ag⁺/Ag) = +0.80 V is higher than E°(Cu²⁺/Cu) = +0.34 V, any metal capable of reducing Cu²⁺ (i.e., having E° < +0.34 V) will automatically also have E° < +0.80 V, meaning it can also reduce Ag⁺. In the electrochemical series, Ag⁺ is a stronger oxidising agent than Cu²⁺. Therefore, no metal exists that reduces Cu²⁺ but fails to reduce Ag⁺. This question tests deep conceptual understanding of the relative positions in the electrochemical series and the transitive nature of reduction potential comparisons.

This hard difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter redox reactions and electrochemistry, covering the topic of electrochemical series. It appeared in the 2025 exam.

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