Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Despite both having a d⁴ electronic configuration, Cr ²⁺ is strongly oxidizing while Mn ³⁺ is strongly reducing in aqueous solution. Reason (R): Cr ²⁺ readily oxidizes to Cr ³⁺ to achieve a stable half-filled t_ 2g ³ configuration, while Mn ³⁺ readily reduces to Mn ²⁺ to achieve a stable half-fille

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is false because Cr ²⁺ is a strong reducing agent (it undergoes oxidation), while Mn ³⁺ is a strong oxidizing agent (it undergoes reduction). Reason (R) is true. Both Cr ²⁺ and Mn ³⁺ have a d⁴ configuration. Cr ²⁺ acts as a reducing agent because its oxidation leads to Cr ³⁺ , which has a stable half-filled t_ 2g ³ configuration in aqueous medium. On the other hand, Mn ³⁺ acts as an oxidizing agent because its reduction leads to Mn ²⁺ , which has a highly stable half-filled d⁵ configuration. Therefore