Question

What is the oxidation half reaction in the chemical reaction

Zn(s) + H⁺(aq) → Zn²⁺(aq) + H₂(g)?


A) Zn(s) → Zn²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻

B) H₂(g) → 2 H⁺(aq) + 2e⁻

C) 2 H⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → H₂(g)

D) Zn²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Zn(s)

Answer 1

The oxidation half-reaction for the given reaction is Zn(s) to Zn²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻, where zinc loses two electrons to become a divalent ion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The oxidation half-reaction in the chemical reaction Zn(s) + H⁺(aq) → Zn²⁺(aq) + H₂(g) is A) Zn(s) → Zn²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻. In this half-reaction, zinc atoms are oxidized to Zn²⁺. This half-reaction is balanced in terms of the number of zinc atoms and the overall charge. It shows the two electrons that are needed as products to account for the zinc atom losing two negative charges to become a Zn²⁺ ion, fulfilling the requirement that the number of electrons lost in the oxidation process equals the charge of the zinc ion formed.