Question

Solid zinc is placed in a solution of copper(II) ions. Solid copper forms and zinc ions are present in solution. I) Identify what type of reaction this is II) Write the net ionic equation for this reaction III) Write two electron transfer half equations?

Answer 1

See below.

Explanation:

I) This is a reduction-oxidation reaction.

`"Zn(s)"` is oxidized to `"Zn"^"2+""(aq)"` and `"Cu"^"2+""(aq)"` is reduced to `"Cu(s)"`.

II) The net ionic equation is

`"Zn(s)" + "Cu"^"2+""(aq)" → "Zn"^"2+""(aq)" + "Cu(s)"`

III) The half-reactions are

Anode: `"Zn(s)" → "Zn"^"2+""(aq)" + "2e"^"-"`
Cathode: #"Cu"^"2+" + "2e"^"-" → "Cu(s)"

Here are "Before" and "After" pictures of the reaction.

(From fineartamerica.com)