Reducing agents [ENDORSED]

[alondra_1D]

When we are arranging the following metals , Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe in order of increasing strength as reducing agents for species in aqueous solutions,

the stronger ones are the ones with the most negative values right?

[Kareem]

Reducing agent means that it is willing to oxidize. The more willing it is to oxidize, the stronger the reducing agent. So the more electrons an atom or ion is willing to donate, the stronger it is as a reducing agent.

[nicoleclarke_lec1M]

To determine the strength of the reducing agent, you have to look at the reduction potentials for each one. The more negative the reduction potential, the higher chance the metal will want to be oxidized, therefore making it the best reducing agent. What this means is that a species that wants to be oxidized will have a very very low potential to be reduced, and, when flipped, a very high potential to be oxidized. The species which is oxidized is the reducing agent. So, yes, you are correct to say that the most negative of the reduction potentials will give you the strongest reducing agent.