Chapter 20, Problem 9STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The strongest oxidizing agent between sodium and iron has to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

An electron-accepting element that tends to accept electrons is known as an oxidizing agent.

The strongest and the weakest oxidizing agents can be determined by the position/group where the element is present in the periodic table.

Answer to Problem 9STP

  $\text{Fe}$ is the stronger oxidizing agent compared to sodium, $\text{Na}$ .

Explanation of Solution

The sodium metal is present in group 1A in the periodic table and all the elements present in this group can easily be oxidized and are reducing agents.

Iron metal is present in the d block of the periodic table and has the capacity to be oxidized and reduced, therefore it is stronger oxidizing compared to sodium.