Student follow up

1 The ionic equation for the reaction between zinc and sulfuric acid is:

Zn (s) + 2H + (aq) - Zn?" (aq) + H2 (g)

a State what has been oxidised in this reaction. Explain your answer in

terms of electrons.

Zinc (Zn) was oxidized

Explanation:

The ionic equation given is;

Zn (s) + 2H + (aq) → Zn²⁺ (aq) + H2 (g)

To answer the question, we can first write the half equation for the above reaction;

The half equations are;

Zn (s) → Zn²⁺ (aq) + 2e, and 2H⁺ (aq) + 2e → H₂ (g)

From the half equations;

Zn lost two electrons to form Zn²⁺, while 2H⁺ gained two electrons to form H₂

Therefore;

Zn underwent oxidation which is the loss of electrons while H + underwent reduction which is the gain of electrons.

Hydrogen accept the two electron form zinc and get reduced. Zinc loses its to electron and get oxidized.

Explanation:

The oxidation reduction reactions are called redox reaction. These reactions are take place by gaining or losing the electrons and oxidation state of elements are changed.

Oxidation:

Oxidation involve the removal of electrons and oxidation state of atom of an element is increased.

Reduction:

Reduction involve the gain of electron and oxidation number is decreased.

Oxidizing agents:

Oxidizing agents oxidize the other elements and itself gets reduced.

Reducing agents:

Reducing agents reduced the other element are it self gets oxidized.

Chemical reaction:

Zn (s) + 2H⁺ (aq) → Zn²⁺ (aq) + H₂ (g)

zinc is oxidized because its oxidation state increase from 0 to + 2 and hydrogen is reduced because its oxidation state decreased from + 2 to 0.

Hydrogen accept the two electron form zinc and get reduced. Zinc loses its to electron and get oxidized.