Question

Write a balanced half-reaction describing the oxidation of solid gold to aqueous gold (III) cations.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Balanced half-reaction: Au⁺(aq) →  Au³⁺(aq) + 2e⁻.

Gold lost two electrons and change oxidation number from +1 to +3.

Answer 2

Answer: The half reaction for the oxidation of solid gold is written below

Explanation:

Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. Here, oxidation state of the atom increases.

$X\rightarrow X^{n+}+ne^-$

Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom gains electrons. Here, the oxidation state of the atom decreases.

$X^{n+}+ne^-\rightarrow X$

The half reaction for the oxidation of gold to gold (III) ions follows:

$Au(s)\rightarrow Au^{3+}(aq.)+3e^-$

Hence, the half reaction for the oxidation of solid gold is written above.