Question

Balance the following redox reaction in basic solution. Zn(s)+H2​O(I)→Zn2+(aq)+H2​(g)

Answer 1

To balance the given redox reaction in basic solution, follow a set of steps including balancing atoms, oxygen, hydrogen, charge, and adding OH ions to neutralize H+ ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the redox reaction Zn(s) + H2O(I) → Zn2+(aq) + H2(g) in basic solution, we need to follow a set of steps.

1. First, balance the atoms involved except hydrogen and oxygen.
2. Then, balance the oxygen atoms by adding H2O molecules to the side needing oxygen.
3. Next, balance the hydrogen atoms by adding H+ ions or OH- ions to the side needing hydrogen.
4. If the reaction occurs in a basic solution, add OH- ions to both sides to neutralize the H+ ions and form H2O molecules.
5. Finally, make sure the charge is balanced on both sides by adjusting the number of electrons gained or lost.

Applying these steps, the balanced redox reaction in basic solution is:

Zn(s) + 2OH-(aq) → ZnO2-(aq) + H2(g) + 2e-

Answer 2

The redox reaction Zn(s) + H2​O(l) → Zn2+(aq) + H2​(g) is balanced in a basic solution by writing the oxidation and reduction half-reactions, balancing them for mass and charge, combining them to cancel electrons, and making final adjustments to balance oxygen and hydrogen.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the given redox reaction Zn(s) + H2O(l) → Zn2+(aq) + H2(g) in a basic solution, we need to follow the half-reaction method:

1. Write the oxidation and reduction half-reactions. Zinc is oxidized:
2. Balance the half-reactions for mass and charge. In basic solutions, add OH− to balance H+ if present.
3. Combine the two balanced half-reactions, ensuring that the electrons cancel out.
4. Make final adjustments to balance the oxygen by adding H2O as needed and balance hydrogen by adding OH− ions.

The balanced redox reaction is:

Zn(s) + 4 OH− (aq) → Zn2+(aq) + 2 H2O(l) + 2e− (1)

Hydrogen is produced at the cathode:

2e− + 2 H2O(l) → H2(g) + 2 OH− (aq) (2)

Adding both half-reactions (1) and (2) together gives us the balanced reaction:

Zn(s) + 2 H2O(l) → Zn2+(aq) + H2(g) + 2 OH− (aq)