Reducing power

[Sophia Kim 1C]

I am confused on what it means for something to have a high reducing/oxidizing power. I read that if Ecell is more negative than it has greater reducing power but I am confused on why that is.

[Matt_Fontila_2L_Chem14B]

Reducing power is the strength of a chemical's ability to reduce another substance. It's the ability to gain electrons.

Oxidizing power is the strength of a chemical's ability to oxidize another substance. It's how easily the chemical donates/loses electrons.

[Sara Varadharajulu]

if e cell is very positive, it means the element has high oxidizing power because it is able to be reduced very easily.

if e cell is very negative, it means the element has high reducing power because it is able to be oxidized very easily (the reverse reaction, in this case oxidation, is favored).