Question

Which of the following acts as a strong reducing agent? (Atomic number : Ce = 58, Eu = 63, Gd = 64, Lu = 71)

• A. $\text{Lu}^{3+}$
• B. $\text{Gd}^{3+}$
• C. $\text{Eu}^{2+}$
• D. $\text{Ce}^{4+}$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The strength of a reducing agent is determined by the ability of its ion to donate electrons. The element Eu (Europium) in its \( \text{Eu}^{2+} \) state can easily lose an electron to form \( \text{Eu}^{3+} \), making it a strong reducing agent. The reduction process is as follows:  
\(\text{Eu}^{2+} \rightarrow \text{Eu}^{3+} + e^-\)

This shows that \( \text{Eu}^{2+} \) acts as a strong reducing agent.  
Thus, the correct answer is 3, which corresponds to \( \text{Eu}^{2+} \).

The Correct Answer is: $\text{Eu}^{2+}$