Question

Study this chemical reaction: FeSO4 (aq) + Zn (s) --> Fe (s) + ZnSO4 (aq) Then, write balanced half-reactions describing the oxidation and reduction that happen in this reaction.

oxidation:

reduction:

Answer 1

Answer: The oxidation and reduction half reactions are written below.

Explanation:

Oxidation reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets increased during this reaction.

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

Reduction reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom gains electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets reduced during this reaction.

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

For the given chemical reaction:

$FeSO_4(aq.)+Zn(s)\rightarrow Fe(s)+ZnSO_4(aq.)$

The half reactions for the given reaction follows:

Oxidation half reaction:  $Zn(s)\rightarrow Zn^{2+}(aq.)+2e^-$

Reduction half reaction: $Fe^{2+}(aq.)+2e^-\rightarrow Fe(s)$

Hence, the oxidation and reduction half reactions are written above.