Oxidation Chemistry Example 2

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Example 2

medium
In the reaction Zn+Cu2+→Zn2++Cu\text{Zn} + \text{Cu}^{2+} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + \text{Cu}, write the oxidation and reduction half-reactions.

Solution

  1. 1
    Oxidation half-reaction: Zn→Zn2++2e−\text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^- (Zn loses electrons).
  2. 2
    Reduction half-reaction: Cu2++2e−→Cu\text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu} (Cu2+^{2+} gains electrons).
  3. 3
    Electrons lost by Zn are gained by Cu2+^{2+} — electron transfer is balanced.

Answer

Ox: Zn→Zn2++2e−Red: Cu2++2e−→Cu\text{Ox: Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^-\quad \text{Red: Cu}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu}
In every redox reaction, oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. The total electrons lost must equal the total electrons gained.

About Oxidation

The loss of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule during a chemical reaction, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state.

Learn more about Oxidation →

More Oxidation Examples

Example 1 easy

In the reaction [formula], identify which species is oxidized.

Example 3 easy

Is iron rusting an example of oxidation? Explain.

Example 4 medium

In the reaction [formula], which substance is oxidized?

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