Chromium compounds in which oxidation state of chromium is 2+ behaves as a:
Correct answer: B. Strong reducing agent
- A. Strong oxidizing agent
- B. Strong reducing agent
- C. Very weak oxidizing agent
- D. Very weak reducing agent
Explanation
The correct answer is that chromium compounds in which the oxidation state of chromium is 2+ behave as strong reducing agents. This is due to their ability to easily donate electrons, thereby reducing other substances and becoming oxidized themselves to higher oxidation states such as +3, +4, or +6.Option A, a strong oxidizing agent, is incorrect because chromium in the +2 state is more likely to be oxidized than to oxidize other substances. Option C, a very weak oxidizing agent, is incorrect for similar reasons, as it downplays the reducing capability of chromium(II). Option D, a very weak reducing agent, underestimates the reducing strength of chromium in this state, which can effectively donate electrons in chemical reactions.
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About Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation involves loss of electrons, increase in oxidation number or addition of oxygen, while reduction involves electron gain, decrease in oxidation number or removal of oxygen. The topic covers oxidising and reducing agents, oxidation-number changes, redox equations and the distinction between oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode.
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