By using the data in Appendix E, determine whether each of the following substances is likely to serve as an oxidant or a reductant: (d) Zn(s)

Video transcript

Hey everyone today, we're being asked to use the standard reduction potential of lead to determine if it is a reducing or oxidizing agent. No, to do this, we need to actually utilize the reduction half reaction of lead, but lead will actually be a product. It will be produced from the reaction. The standard reduction or the reduction half reaction for lead starts with lead sulfate. So let's go ahead and start writing that out. You will have lead sulfate and so four solid which will react with hydrogen gas or sorry, hydrogen and a solution my bad and two electrons to yield solid lead and sulfuric acid, H. R. Sorry, HS. not sulfuric acid to form minus chris. And we'll have a standard reduction potential Of -0.36V. Keep in mind that we need a negative reduction potential because the substance here is being reduced. It gains electrons, which means that the reduction potential will be negative. And this also answers our question If lead sulfate is being reduced, That means that In contrast lead will end up oxidizing HS 04 should the reaction happen in reverse. So, since lead would end up acting as an oxidizing agent, I'm sorry, since lead would end up being oxidized. If the reverse reaction were to occur. That means this would be oxidized. So we're re dealing with a reducing agent As it will help reduce the HS of 4 -. I hope this helps and I look forward to seeing y'all in the next one