Question

Which of the following is a reduction half-reaction?
NO + 2H2O → N3 –+ 4H ++ 3e –
Na → Na ++ e –
2H ++ 2e –→ H2
Zn → Zn 2++ 2e –

Answer 1

Answer: Option (c) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

A reduction half reaction is a reaction in which there is gain of electrons.

For example, $2H^{+} + 2e^{-} \rightarrow H_{2}$ is a reduction half reaction.

Whereas a reaction in which there is release or removal of electrons is known as an oxidation half reaction.

For example, $NO + 2H_{2}O \rightarrow N^{-}_{3} + 4H^{+} + 3e^{-}$ is an oxidation half reaction.

Therefore, we can conclude that out of the given options 2H ++ 2e –→ H2 is a reduction half-reaction.