Question

Of these, which ion will get reduced most readily? 1. K+ 2. Zn2+ 3. Cu2+ 4. Ag+

Answer 1

Of these, which iron will get reduced most readily?
I think the answer is -2. K+2.

Answer 2

The answer is $Cu^{2+}$

Explanation:

To find the ion that will get reduced, we need to see the stability in the electronic configuration that will be achieved after reduction.

Reduction means the addition of electrons.

So, let us take the ions one by one.

1. Potassium ion,$K^+$ formed by loss of one electron from potassium metal. To get reduced, it will have to gain an electron and become K. In the ionic form it has a stable noble gas configuration of Argon. Hence, reduction won't be easy.

2. Zinc ion,$Zn^{2+}$ formed by loss of two-electron from zinc metal. To get reduced, it will have to gain an electron and become$Zn^+$. In the $Zn^{2+}$ionic form, it has a stable configuration of 3$d^{10}$. Hence, reduction won't be easy.

3. Copper ion,$Cu^{2+}$ formed by loss of two-electron from copper metal. To get reduced, it will have to gain an electron and become$Cu^+$. In the $Cu^{2+}$ionic form, it has a configuration of 3$d^{9}$. The reduction will be easy because it will lead to a stable configuration of 3$d^{10}$.

4. Silver ion,$Ag^{+}$ formed by loss of one electron from silver metal. To get reduced, it will have to gain an electron and become$Ag$. In the $Ag^+$ionic form, it has a stable configuration of 3$d^{10}$. Hence, reduction won't be easy.