Question

In view of their low ionization energies, the alkalimetals are

• A. Weak oxidising agents
• B. Strong reducing agents
• C. Strong oxidising agents
• D. Weak reducing agents

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Alkali metals have valence electron configuration of $n{s}^1$. The alkali metals have low value of ionization energy which decreases down the group and so can easily lose their valence electron and thus act as good reducing agents. The reducing character increases from sodium to caesium. However lithium is the strongest reducing agent.