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Which of the following is the correct order of standard electrode potentials (in increasing order of reduction potential) for the couples Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺/Cu and Zn²⁺/Zn?

medium MCQ 3 marks Class 12 · Chemistry · Electrochemistry
  1. Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ > Cu²⁺/Cu > Zn²⁺/Zn
  2. Zn²⁺/Zn < Cu²⁺/Cu < Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺
  3. Cu²⁺/Cu < Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ < Zn²⁺/Zn
  4. Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ < Zn²⁺/Zn < Cu²⁺/Cu
Answer
Zn²⁺/Zn < Cu²⁺/Cu < Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺

The correct answer is Zn²⁺/Zn < Cu²⁺/Cu < Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ — Choose the option that matches this order.

Step-by-step solution

  1. List standard potentials: Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ = +0.77 V, Cu²⁺/Cu = +0.34 V, Zn²⁺/Zn = –0.76 V.
  2. Arrange them from lowest to highest: –0.76 V < +0.34 V < +0.77 V.
  3. Identify the corresponding couples: Zn²⁺/Zn < Cu²⁺/Cu < Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺.
  4. Choose the option that matches this order.
Common mistake: Reversing the order due to sign confusion

Concept tested: Comparison of standard electrode potentials

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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