What are the correct half-reactions for the following reaction: Zn + 2 HCl -> H2 + ZnCl2?
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For the reaction Zn + 2 HCl -> H2 + ZnCl2, the half-reactions represent the oxidation and reduction processes taking place in this chemical reaction.
The oxidation half-reaction involves the zinc (Zn) losing electrons, and it can be written as: Zn -> Zn^2+ + 2e^- This shows that metallic zinc is being oxidized to zinc ions, Zn^2+, with the loss of two electrons (2e^-).
The reduction half-reaction involves the hydrogen ions (H+) from hydrochloric acid (HCl) gaining electrons to form hydrogen gas (H2), and it can be written as: 2H^+ + 2e^- -> H2 This shows that two hydrogen ions (from HCl) are reduced by gaining two electrons to form a molecule of hydrogen gas (H2).
Together, these half-reactions explain the redox process in the given chemical equation, as electrons transfer from zinc to hydrogen ions.