Question

Consider the redox reaction below.

Answer 1

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)