Li occupies higher position in the electrochemical series of metals as compared to Cu since

Options

A. The standard reduction potential of `Li^(+)//Li` is lowerr than that of `Cu^(2+)//Cu`
B. The standard reduction potential of `Cu^(2+)//Cu` is lower than that of `Li^(+)//Li`
C. The standard oxidation potential of `Li//Li^+` is lower than that of `Cu//Cu^(2+)`
D. Li is smaller in size as compared to Cu

Answer

To understand why lithium (Li) occupies a higher position in the electrochemical series compared to copper (Cu), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Electrochemical Series
The electrochemical series is a list of metals arranged in order of their standard electrode potentials. Metals with higher standard electrode potentials are more likely to be reduced (gain electrons) and are therefore placed higher in the series.

### Step 2: Compare Standard Electrode Potentials
The standard electrode potential (E°) values for Li and Cu are as follows:
- Lithium (Li) has a standard electrode potential of approximately -3.04 V.
- Copper (Cu) has a standard electrode potential of approximately +0.34 V.

### Step 3: Determine Reactivity
The more negative the standard electrode potential, the more reactive the metal is. Lithium, with a more negative potential, is more reactive than copper. This means that lithium can easily lose electrons and thus is a stronger reducing agent compared to copper.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Since lithium has a higher reactivity and a more negative standard electrode potential compared to copper, it occupies a higher position in the electrochemical series. This indicates that lithium is more likely to oxidize (lose electrons) than copper.

### Final Answer
Li occupies a higher position in the electrochemical series compared to Cu because it is more reactive and has a more negative standard electrode potential, making it a stronger reducing agent.

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