Question

Comment on the statement:

If \[\ce{E^{\circ}_{{M^{n+}/{M}}}}\] is negative, H⁺ ions cannot be reduced to H_2(g) by the metal M.

Answer 1

The statement in the question is not true. If \[\ce{E^{\circ}_{{M^{n+}/{M}}}}\]​ is negative, it means that the metal M is a strong reducing agent. The tendency of Mⁿ⁺ to gain electrons (i.e., get reduced) is less than that of H⁺ ions. Therefore, metal M has a greater tendency to lose electrons than H₂, meaning it can reduce H⁺ ions to H₂ gas.