Half-Reactions: Find Strongest Oxidizing Agent

[brake4country]

Homework Statement

Based only on the half-reactions in the table, which of the following is the strongest oxidizing agent?
(See attachment)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I noticed in this table that not all elements are in the reduction form. I flipped them around and changed the sign, however, the correct answer states that Cd²⁺ is the correct answer. Shouldn't it be F^-? Thanks in advance.

 

[Bystander]

F-?

... an oxidizing agent?

 

[brake4country]

... an oxidizing agent?

Ok, I typed that wrong. According to the chart, we know that the the half reaction: 2F^-→F₂ + 2e- has potential of -2.87 V. But this is being oxidized. Don't we have to flip it and change it to the reduction half reaction to compare it to the rest of the agents listed?

 

[Bystander]

No. F/F₂ is an oxidizing agent; F^- is a reducing agent.

 

[brake4country]

Right, so wouldn't so wouldn't 2F^-→F₂+ 2e^- be the strongest oxidizing agent and not Cd²⁺+2e^-→Cd? I think the book is wrong in this one.

 

[Bystander]

NO. The half reactions are written with both species; you are not being asked to pick a half reaction, just a single species.