Question

Alkali metals are powerful reducing agents because:

• A. They are metals
• B. They are monovalent
• C. Their ionic radii are large
• D. Their ionisation energies are low

Hint:

A lower ionization energy means an atom can easily lose electrons, enhancing its reducing power.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Alkali metals possess a single valence electron, and their low ionization energies make it easy for them to lose this electron and get oxidized. This characteristic makes them excellent reducing agents. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Their ionization energies are low}} \]