Unit 8 The D And F Block Elements (Intext Questions-5)
Intext Questions
8.6 Why is the highest oxidation state of a metal exhibited in its oxide or fluoride only?
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Answer
Both oxide and fluoride ions are highly electronegative and have a very small size. Due to these properties, they are able to oxidize the metal to its highest oxidation state.
8.7 Which is a stronger reducing agent $\mathrm{Cr}^{2+}$ or $\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}$ and why?
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Answer
Stronger reducing agent out of $\mathrm{Cr}^{2+}$ and $\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}$ Hence, $\mathrm{Cr}^{2+}$ can easily oxidize to $\mathrm{Cr}^{3+}$, but $\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}$ does not get oxidized to $\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}$ easily.
Therefore, $\mathrm{Cr}^{2+}$ is a better reducing agent that $\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}$.
