Of the following metals, which ions are most easily reduced?
aluminum***
iron
mercury
potassium
Mercury
No. Look at the activity series.
http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/redox/faq/activity-series.shtml
Of the given metals, aluminum ions (Al3+) are most easily reduced.
To determine which metal ions are most easily reduced, we need to consider their reduction potentials. Reduction potential is a measure of the tendency of an ion to gain electrons and be reduced. Metals with more positive reduction potentials are more easily reduced.
Here are the reduction potentials for the metal ions you listed:
- Aluminum: -1.66V
- Iron: -0.44V
- Mercury: -0.85V
- Potassium: -2.92V
From these values, we can see that the aluminum ion has the most positive reduction potential at -1.66V. This means that aluminum ions are more easily reduced compared to the other metal ions listed.
To find this information, you can refer to a standard reduction potential table or an electrochemical series. These tables provide a list of reduction potentials for various metal ions, allowing you to compare their ease of reduction.