The correct order of reducing character of alkali metals is

Question

The correct order of reducing character of alkali metals is (A)  Rb < K < Na < Li  (B)  Li < Na < K < Rb  (C)  Na < K < Rb < Li  (D)  Rb < Na < K < Li

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

The alkali metals are strong reducing agents, lithium the most and sodium the least powerful. The standard electrode potential

(E^{o})

which measures the reducing power represents the overall change

M (s) \to M (g)

Sublimation enthalpy

M (g) \to M^{+} (g) + e^{-}

ionization enthalpy

M^{+} (g) + H_{2} O \to M^{+} (a q)

hydration enthalpy
With the small size of its ion, lithium has the highest hydration enthalpy which accounts for its high negative

E^{\circ}

value and its high reducing power.
Hence, the order of reducing character of alkali metals is

N a < K < R b < L i

Q. The correct order of reducing character of alkali metals is

$R b < K < N a < L i$

$L i < N a < K < R b$

$N a < K < R b < L i$

$R b < N a < K < L i$

Q. The correct order of reducing character of alkali metals is

Rb<K<Na<Li

Li<Na<K<Rb

Na<K<Rb<Li

Rb<Na<K<Li

$R b < K < N a < L i$

$L i < N a < K < R b$

$N a < K < R b < L i$

$R b < N a < K < L i$