Question
Question: How do you write oxidation reduction half reactions?...
How do you write oxidation reduction half reactions?
Solution
The oxidation – reduction half reaction is also known as redox reaction. In this reaction the oxidation reaction and reduction reaction takes place at the same time. The oxidation is the loss of electrons (addition of oxygen) and reduction is the gain of electrons (loss of oxygen)
Complete step by step answer:
The oxidation reduction half reaction is also known as Redox reaction. This reaction is known as the redox reaction because the oxidation reaction and reduction reaction takes place simultaneously. The term “redox” is the short form used for reduction-oxidation.
In the oxidation-reduction reaction, transfer of electrons takes place between the species and change of oxidation state takes place. In the reaction, one element is reduced and the other element is oxidized. The element which is reduced in the chemical reaction is known as the oxidizing agent and the substance which is oxidized in the chemical reaction is known as the reducing agent.
The oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction where loss of electrons takes place and the reduction reaction is defined as the reaction where gain of electrons takes place.
The example of redox reaction is shown below.
Ag(s)+Zn2+(aq)→Ag2O(aq)+Zn(s)
In this reaction, a neutral silver atom reacts with the zinc ion to form silver (I) oxide and neutral zinc atom.
The oxidation half reaction is shown below.
Ag(s)→Ag2O(aq)
In this reaction silver is oxidized to silver (I) oxide.
The reduction half of the reaction is shown below.
Zn2+(aq)→Zn(s)
In this reaction the zinc ion is reduced to a neutral zinc atom.
Note:
In the oxidation reaction, the oxidation state of the substance increases from the reactant side to the product side and in the reduction reaction, the oxidation state of the substance decreases from the reactant side to the product side.