Reduction potential is the ability of a half cell to attract electrons.

• A. Electrode potential
• B. Ionization energy
• C. Reduction potential
• D. Oxidation potential

Answer: (C)

Reduction potential is the tendency of a half-cell to gain electrons. In redox chemistry, a half-cell that readily attracts electrons has a higher (more positive) reduction potential, meaning it is more easily reduced and tends to pull electrons from another half-cell. Electrode potential is a broader term for the potential of an electrode, but it doesn’t specify whether the species is prone to gain or lose electrons. Oxidation potential describes the tendency to lose electrons, the opposite of reduction potential. Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from a gaseous atom and isn’t about the behavior of a half-cell in a redox couple.