Question

Using the reaction of Zinc with dilute hydrochloric acid:
a) Write an ionic equation for the reaction, with state symbols. (3 marks) 
b) From your answer to part a construct two half equations to show electron transfer taking place.(2 marks)
c) Explain why this is a redox reactor (5 marks) 

Answer 1

Answer:

a).

${ \rm{Zn {}^{2 + } _{(aq)}+ 2Cl {}^{ - } _{(aq)} → ZnCl _{2(aq)} }}$

b).

${ \rm{Zn {}^{2 + } _{(aq)} + 2e {}^{ - } → Zn _{(aq)} }} \\ \\ { \rm{ Cl {}^{ - } _{(aq)} → Cl _{(aq)} + {e}^{ - } }}$

[ e represents an electron ]

c).

It is a redox reaction because oxidation [ electron loss ] and reduction [ electron gain ] both take place in the overall reaction.