Textbook Problem

In the table of standard reduction potentials, locate the half-reactions for the reductions of the following nonmetals: F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂ (reduction to halide ions), and O₂, S, Se (reduction to H₂X in aqueous acid). Among the elements, ions, and compounds that make up these half-reactions:

1. (a) Which element is the weakest oxidizing agent?
2. (b) Which ion or H₂X is the weakest reducing agent?
3. (c) Which of the elements listed is (are) capable of oxidizing to O₂?
4. (d) Which of these elements listed is (are) capable of oxidizing to S?
5. (e) Is O₂ capable of oxidizing I⁻ to I₂, in acid solution?
6. (f) Is S capable of oxidizing I⁻ to I₂?
7. (g) Is the reaction H₂S(aq) + Se(s) → H₂Se(aq) + S(s) product-favored at equilibrium?
8. (h) Is the reaction H₂S(aq) + I₂(s) → 2 H⁺(aq) + 2 I⁻(aq) + S(s) product-favored at equilibrium?