Question

What is the oxidation half reaction of Cu^+2 + Zn → Cu + Zn^+2?

(a) Zn → Zn^+2

(b) Cu^+2 → Cu

(c) Cu^+2 → Zn^+2

(d) Zn → Cu

I had been asked this question in a job interview.

Enquiry is from Redox Reactions in Terms of Electron Transfer Reactions topic in portion Redox Reactions of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) Zn → Zn^+2

The explanation: Oxidation is the loss of electrons by an atom, ion or molecule. It is also known as de-electronation. Here in the above given chemical reaction Cu^+2 + Zn → Cu + Zn^+2, the oxidation half-reaction is Zn → Zn^+2.