Answer:
Zn(s) → Zn⁺²(aq) + 2e⁻
Explanation:
Let us consider the complete redox reaction:
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
This is a redox reaction because, both oxidation and reduction is simultaneously taking place.
- Oxidation (loss of electrons or increase in the oxidation state of entity)
- Reduction (gain of electrons or decrease in the oxidation state of the entity)
- An element undergoes oxidation or reduction in order to achieve a stable configuration. It can be an octet configuration. An octet configuration is that of outer shell configuration of noble gas.
Here Zn(s) is undergoing oxidation from OS 0 to +2
And H in HCl (aq) is undergoing reduction from OS +1 to 0.
Therefore, for this reaction;
Oxidation Half equation is:
Zn(s) → Zn⁺²(aq) + 2e⁻
Reduction Half equation is:
2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₂(g)
