Questions: In the reaction Zn + H^+ -> Zn^2+ + H2, Zn is oxidized and H is reduced.
How many electrons would be produced and used in the balanced half-reactions?
Complete the balanced half-reactions:
H^+ + e^- -> H2
Zn -> Zn^2+ + e^-
Transcript text: In the reaction $\mathrm{Zn}+\mathrm{H}^{+} \rightarrow \mathrm{Zn}^{2+}+\mathrm{H}_{2}, \mathrm{Zn}$ is oxidized and H is reduced.
How many electrons would be produced and used in the balanced half-reactions?
Complete the balanced half-reactions:
$\mathrm{H}^{+}+\square \mathrm{e}^{-} \rightarrow \square \mathrm{H}_{2}$
$\mathrm{Zn} \rightarrow$ $\square$
$\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}+$ $\mathrm{e}^{-}$
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the Oxidation and Reduction Half-Reactions
In the given reaction, zinc (Zn) is oxidized and hydrogen ions (\(\mathrm{H}^+\)) are reduced. We need to write the half-reactions for both processes.
Step 2: Write the Oxidation Half-Reaction
Zinc (\(\mathrm{Zn}\)) is oxidized to zinc ions (\(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\)). The oxidation half-reaction is:
\[
\mathrm{Zn} \rightarrow \mathrm{Zn}^{2+} + 2\mathrm{e}^-
\]
Step 3: Write the Reduction Half-Reaction
Hydrogen ions (\(\mathrm{H}^+\)) are reduced to hydrogen gas (\(\mathrm{H}_2\)). The reduction half-reaction is:
\[
2\mathrm{H}^+ + 2\mathrm{e}^- \rightarrow \mathrm{H}_2
\]
Step 4: Balance the Electrons in the Half-Reactions
Both half-reactions involve the transfer of 2 electrons. Therefore, they are already balanced in terms of electron transfer.