Which of the following metals is the best reducing agent according to the activity series?

• A. Cu
• B. Au
• C. Li
• D. Ag

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the activity series is a list of metals ranked by their ability to lose electrons and act as reducing agents. The higher a metal is on the activity series, the stronger its reducing power.
2. Recall that a reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons in a chemical reaction, so the best reducing agent is the metal that most readily loses electrons (oxidizes).
3. Identify the metals given in the problem: Cu (Copper), Au (Gold), Li (Lithium), and Ag (Silver).
4. Refer to the activity series chart, where lithium (Li) is placed at the top among these metals, indicating it has the greatest tendency to lose electrons and thus is the strongest reducing agent.
5. Conclude that since lithium is highest in the activity series compared to copper, gold, and silver, it is the best reducing agent among the options provided.