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Which line in the table would best describe elements that act as reducing agents? | Gains or loses electrons | Electronegativity | | ------------------------ | ----------------- | | A | gains | low | | B | loses | low | | C | gains | high | | D | loses | high | - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 4 - 2017
Question 4
Which line in the table would best describe elements that act as reducing agents? | Gains or loses electrons | Electronegativity | | ------------------------ | ----... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which line in the table would best describe elements that act as reducing agents? | Gains or loses electrons | Electronegativity | | ------------------------ | ----------------- | | A | gains | low | | B | loses | low | | C | gains | high | | D | loses | high | - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 4 - 2017
Step 1
Which line in the table would best describe elements that act as reducing agents?
Answer
To determine which line describes elements acting as reducing agents, we need to understand that reducing agents lose electrons during a reaction. Therefore, we should look for a line that indicates 'loses electrons.' Additionally, elements that are classified as reducing agents typically have low electronegativity, enabling them to easily give up electrons.
Looking at the table:
- A indicates 'gains' electrons, which does not apply to reducing agents.
- B indicates 'loses' electrons and has a 'low' electronegativity, which fits our criteria.
- C indicates 'gains' electrons, again not applicable.
- D indicates 'loses' electrons but has a 'high' electronegativity, which does not correspond with reducing agents.
Thus, the correct choice is B: loses electrons and low electronegativity.