(N/A) The $E_{M^{3+}/M^{2+}}^{o}$ values are determined by the stability of the $M^{3+}$ and $M^{2+}$ oxidation states.
$1$. $Sc^{3+}$ has a noble gas configuration,making it very stable,which results in a very low (highly negative) $E_{M^{3+}/M^{2+}}^{o}$ value.
$2$. The high value for $Mn^{3+}/Mn^{2+}$ $(+1.57 \ V)$ is due to the extra stability of the half-filled $d^5$ configuration in $Mn^{2+}$.
$3$. The low value for $Fe^{3+}/Fe^{2+}$ $(+0.77 \ V)$ is due to the extra stability of the $Fe^{3+}$ $(d^5)$ ion.
$4$. The high value for $Co^{3+}/Co^{2+}$ $(+1.97 \ V)$ is due to the high Crystal Field Stabilization Energy $(CFSE)$ of the $Co^{2+}$ $(d^7)$ system in an aqueous medium.
$5$. Elements with high positive $E_{M^{3+}/M^{2+}}^{o}$ values (like $Mn^{3+}$ and $Co^{3+}$) act as strong oxidizing agents. Conversely,elements with low or negative values (like $Ti^{2+}, V^{2+}, Cr^{2+}$) act as strong reducing agents and can liberate $H_2$ from acids.
Example: $2Cr^{2+}_{(aq)} + 2H^+_{(aq)} \rightarrow 2Cr^{3+}_{(aq)} + H_{2(g)} \uparrow$
| Element | Electrode potential ($E_{M^{3+}/M^{2+}}^{o}$ in $V$) |
| $Ti$ | $-0.37$ |
| $V$ | $-0.26$ |
| $Cr$ | $-0.41$ |
| $Mn$ | $+1.57$ |
| $Fe$ | $+0.77$ |
| $Co$ | $+1.97$ |