186k views
3 votes
What would be the oxidation and reduction half reactions for this equation?

MgCl2(aq) + Fe(s) ➝ FeCl2(aq) + Mg(s)

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

Fe(s) → Fe²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ OXIDATION

Mg²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Mg(s) REDUCTION

Step-by-step explanation:

The redox reaction is: MgCl₂(aq) + Fe(s) → FeCl₂(aq) + Mg(s)

We need to know that elements in ground state have 0 as the oxidation state.

Iron in the reactants, and Mg in the products

In the magnessium chloride, the Mg acts with+2, so the oxidation state has decreased → REDUCTION

In the iron(II) chloride, the Fe acts with +2, so the oxidation statehas increased → OXIDATION

The half reactions are:

Fe(s) → Fe²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ OXIDATION

Mg²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Mg(s) REDUCTION

User Sabreen
by
3.2k points