Which ions are most easily reduced?

Question

Of the following metals, which ions are most easily reduced?
a) Mercury
b) Potassium
c) Iron
d) Aluminum

Also, Which of these ions is most easily reduced?
a) Zn^2+
b)Cu^2+
c)Ni^2+
d)Ca^2+

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Answer 1

First question:
in order from most easily reduced:
Mercury (Hg), Iron (Fe), Alyuinium (Al), Potassium (K)

Second question:
In order from most easily reduced:
b), c), a), d)

Answer 2

1) Mercury. The reduction potential for mercurous or mercuric ions is actually positive, vs. negative for the other three metals.

2) Cu^2+. Once again, its reduction potential is positive, while all of the others are negative.