oxidation/red potentials easy Q

[tRNA]

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if given a table of half cell reduction potential then the more positive the number the more likely that element will be reduced, but what if you're given a table of half cell oxidation potentials, the more negative the number the more likely the element will be reduced, am I correct?

thanks

 

[osimsDDS]

if given a table of half cell reduction potential then the more positive the number the more likely that element will be reduced, but what if you're given a table of half cell oxidation potentials, the more negative the number the more likely the element will be reduced, am I correct?

thanks

easiest way to go about it is reversing the half reaction for oxidation potentials into reduction potentials and then the greater one will be the one reduced...

 

[DRHOYA]

OsimsDDS is right. This comes into play say on a question where they give you the chemical rxn forumla. If they dive you two oxidation potentials for the given rxn formula, you know you'll have to reverse one of them b/c one of them will have to be reduced. Then look back at the formula and decide which element gets reduced, then look at the half-reactions, and adjust accordingly. Hope that helps. 👍