Metals L, K, M and N and their are selectively reacted and yield the following data:
L^2+(aq) + 2K(s) = L(s) + 2K^+(aq)
K(s) +N^+(aq) = no change
K+(aq) + K(s) = K(s) +M^+(aq)
N(s) + M^+(aq) = N^+(aq) + M(s)
What is weakest oxidizing agent?
The weakest oxidizing agent can be determined by looking at the oxidation states of the metals before and after the reactions.
From the given reactions, we can see that the metals K and N do not change their oxidation states (K(s) remains as K(s) and N(s) remains as N(s)), while metals L and M undergo changes in oxidation states.
Metal L changes from L^2+ to L(s), which means it is being reduced and therefore is not a good oxidizing agent.
Metal M changes from M^+ to M(s), which means it is being reduced and is also not a good oxidizing agent.
Therefore, the weakest oxidizing agent is metal N, as it does not change its oxidation state and does not participate in any oxidation-reduction reactions.