Question

51. The correct order of reducing character of alkali
metals is
1) Rb <K<Na < Li 2) Li< Na <K< Rb
3) Na <K< Rb < Li 4) Rb <Na <K<Li​

Answer 1

The correct order of reducing character of alkali metals is 3) Na <K< Rb < Li

• The alkali metals belong to the first group of the periodic table and they are the most basic elements and strongest reducing agents of the periodic table.
• Metals have low reduction potential so they can easily lose electrons that's why they are good reducing agents which means they can give electrons easily but cannot accept fastly.
• They are good reducing agents because of the presence of extra electrons and they lose them so that they complete their octets and gain stability.
• Down the group reducing character increases because of a decrease in nuclear charge. Due to less nuclear charge electron is less tightly bound and can easily be lost by the metal.
• But Lithium has the lowest reducing potential which means it is the strongest reducing agent. It has low reduction potential because of higher hydration energy. So, the order of reducing agents is Na <K< Rb < Li

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