Given the standard oxidation potentials
`Fe overset(+0.4V)rarr Fe^(2+) (aq.) overset(-0.8V)rarr Fe^(3+) (aq.)`
`Fe overset(+0.9V)rarr Fe(OH)_(2) overset(0.6V)rarr Fe(OH)_(3)`
It is easier to oxidise `Fe^(2+) " to " Fe^(3+)in

Options

A. acid medium
B. alkaline medium
C. neutral medium
D. both in acidic and alkaline mediums

Answer

To determine in which medium it is easier to oxidize \( \text{Fe}^{2+} \) to \( \text{Fe}^{3+} \), we will analyze the given standard oxidation potentials for the reactions in both acidic and alkaline media.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactions and Their Potentials**:
- In acidic medium:
- \( \text{Fe} \rightarrow \text{Fe}^{2+} \) with an oxidation potential of \( +0.4 \, \text{V} \)
- \( \text{Fe}^{2+} \rightarrow \text{Fe}^{3+} \) with an oxidation potential of \( -0.8 \, \text{V} \)
- In alkaline medium:
- \( \text{Fe} \rightarrow \text{Fe(OH)}_2 \) with an oxidation potential of \( +0.9 \, \text{V} \)
- \( \text{Fe(OH)}_2 \rightarrow \text{Fe(OH)}_3 \) with an oxidation potential of \( +0.6 \, \text{V} \)

2. **Analyze the Oxidation Potentials**:
- In the acidic medium, the oxidation potential for the conversion of \( \text{Fe}^{2+} \) to \( \text{Fe}^{3+} \) is \( -0.8 \, \text{V} \). A negative value indicates that this reaction is not favored; it is more favorable for \( \text{Fe}^{3+} \) to be reduced to \( \text{Fe}^{2+} \).
- In the alkaline medium, the oxidation potential for the conversion of \( \text{Fe(OH)}_2 \) to \( \text{Fe(OH)}_3 \) is \( +0.6 \, \text{V} \). A positive value indicates that this reaction is favored.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Since the oxidation of \( \text{Fe}^{2+} \) to \( \text{Fe}^{3+} \) has a positive oxidation potential in the alkaline medium and a negative oxidation potential in the acidic medium, it is easier to oxidize \( \text{Fe}^{2+} \) to \( \text{Fe}^{3+} \) in the alkaline medium.

### Final Answer:
It is easier to oxidize \( \text{Fe}^{2+} \) to \( \text{Fe}^{3+} \) in **alkaline medium**.

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