Which element is more easily oxidized, Sc or Co?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of oxidation. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule. In the context of elements, the more easily an element loses electrons, the more easily it is oxidized.
2. Step 2: Consider the position of Scandium (Sc) and Cobalt (Co) in the periodic table. Scandium is located in Group 3 and is a transition metal, while Cobalt is in Group 9, also a transition metal.
3. Step 3: Examine the standard electrode potentials for Sc and Co. The standard electrode potential indicates the tendency of a species to be reduced; the more negative the potential, the more easily the species is oxidized.
4. Step 4: Compare the standard electrode potentials of Sc and Co. Scandium typically has a more negative standard electrode potential compared to Cobalt, indicating that Scandium is more easily oxidized.
5. Step 5: Conclude that based on the standard electrode potentials, Scandium (Sc) is more easily oxidized than Cobalt (Co).