Which element is more easily oxidized, Sc or Co?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of oxidation. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule. In the context of elements, the more easily an element loses electrons, the more easily it is oxidized.

Step 2: Consider the position of Scandium (Sc) and Cobalt (Co) in the periodic table. Scandium is located in Group 3 and is a transition metal, while Cobalt is in Group 9, also a transition metal.

Step 3: Examine the standard electrode potentials for Sc and Co. The standard electrode potential indicates the tendency of a species to be reduced; the more negative the potential, the more easily the species is oxidized.

Step 4: Compare the standard electrode potentials of Sc and Co. Scandium typically has a more negative standard electrode potential compared to Cobalt, indicating that Scandium is more easily oxidized.

Step 5: Conclude that based on the standard electrode potentials, Scandium (Sc) is more easily oxidized than Cobalt (Co).

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons by an atom or ion, while reduction is the gain of electrons. In redox reactions, one species is oxidized and another is reduced. Understanding these processes is crucial for determining which element is more easily oxidized, as it involves comparing their tendencies to lose electrons.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons. Elements with lower electronegativity values tend to lose electrons more easily, making them more susceptible to oxidation. Comparing the electronegativities of Scandium (Sc) and Cobalt (Co) helps predict which element is more likely to be oxidized.

Standard Reduction Potentials

Standard reduction potentials provide a quantitative measure of the tendency of a species to be reduced. A more positive standard reduction potential indicates a greater likelihood of reduction, and consequently, a lower likelihood of oxidation. By examining the standard reduction potentials of Sc and Co, one can determine which element is more easily oxidized.

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Standard Reduction Potentials

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