The `E^(o)` for half cells `Fe//Fe^(2+) and Cu//Cu^(2+)` are `+0.44` V and ` -0.32 `V respectively. Then which of these is true?

Options

A. `Cu^(2+)` oxidises Fe
B. `Cu^(2+)` oxidises `Fe^(2+)`
C. Cu oxidises `Fe^(2+)`
D. Cu reduces `Fe^(2+)`

Answer

To solve the problem, we need to analyze the given standard electrode potentials (E°) for the half-cells of iron (Fe/Fe²⁺) and copper (Cu/Cu²⁺) and determine the correct statement regarding their oxidation and reduction behavior.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Standard Electrode Potentials:**
- For the half-cell reaction of iron:
\[ \text{Fe} \rightarrow \text{Fe}^{2+} + 2e^{-} \quad (E° = +0.44 \, \text{V}) \]
- For the half-cell reaction of copper:
\[ \text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^{-} \rightarrow \text{Cu} \quad (E° = -0.32 \, \text{V}) \]

2. **Determine the Oxidation and Reduction Reactions:**
- The half-cell with a higher E° value will act as the reduction half-reaction. Here, iron has a higher E° value (+0.44 V) compared to copper (-0.32 V), meaning iron will be reduced and copper will be oxidized.
- The oxidation reaction for copper can be written as:
\[ \text{Cu} \rightarrow \text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^{-} \]

3. **Identify Which Species is Oxidized and Which is Reduced:**
- Since iron is being reduced, it means that copper is oxidizing iron.
- Therefore, copper ions (Cu²⁺) will accept electrons from iron, leading to the oxidation of iron.

4. **Evaluate the Given Statements:**
- **Statement 1:** "Copper²⁺ oxidizes iron."
- This is true because Cu²⁺ accepts electrons from iron, leading to the oxidation of iron.
- **Statement 2:** "Copper²⁺ oxidizes iron²⁺."
- This is false because iron²⁺ is already in its oxidized form and cannot be oxidized further.
- **Statement 3:** "Copper oxidizes iron²⁺."
- This is also false for the same reason as above; iron²⁺ is already oxidized.
- **Statement 4:** "Copper reduces iron²⁺."
- This is false because copper is being oxidized, not reducing iron²⁺.

5. **Conclusion:**
- The correct statement is that "Copper²⁺ oxidizes iron."

### Final Answer:
The correct statement is: **Copper²⁺ oxidizes iron.**