Four successive members of the first series of the transition metals a...
The standard potential (E0M2/M) value is a measure of the tendency of an element to lose or gain electrons. A positive sign indicates that the element has a tendency to lose electrons and undergo oxidation.
In the given options, we are looking for the element that has a positive standard potential value.
Let's analyze each option to determine which one satisfies this condition.
a) Co (Z = 27): The standard potential value for the Co2+/Co half-cell reaction is -0.28 V. The negative sign indicates that cobalt has a tendency to gain electrons and undergo reduction. Therefore, option a) is not the correct answer.
b) Ni (Z = 28): The standard potential value for the Ni2+/Ni half-cell reaction is -0.25 V. Again, the negative sign indicates that nickel has a tendency to gain electrons and undergo reduction. Therefore, option b) is not the correct answer.
c) Cu (Z = 29): The standard potential value for the Cu2+/Cu half-cell reaction is +0.34 V. The positive sign indicates that copper has a tendency to lose electrons and undergo oxidation. Therefore, option c) is the correct answer.
d) Fe (Z = 26): The standard potential value for the Fe2+/Fe half-cell reaction is -0.44 V. Once again, the negative sign indicates that iron has a tendency to gain electrons and undergo reduction. Therefore, option d) is not the correct answer.
In conclusion, the correct answer is option c) Cu (Z = 29) as it has a positive standard potential value, indicating a tendency to lose electrons and undergo oxidation.