Chapter 19, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason as to why the redox reactions are described as electron transfer reactions is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The reactions in which one compound undergoes oxidation while the other undergoes reduction are termed as redox reactions. The molecule or compound which loses one or more electrons is said to be oxidized. The molecule or compound which gains one or more electrons is said to be reduced.

Answer to Problem 1E

The redox reactions are described as electron transfer reactions as the electrons released from the atoms of the molecule in oxidation half-reaction are transferred to the ions of the other molecule in reduction half-reaction.

Explanation of Solution

The reaction in which one molecule gets oxidized while the other gets reduced simultaneously is known as a redox reaction.

The reaction given below is an example of a redox reaction.

$\text{Zn}\left(\text{s}\right)+{\text{Cu}}^{\text{2+}}\text{(aq)}\to {\text{Zn}}^{\text{2+}}\text{(aq)}+\text{Cu}\left(\text{s}\right)$

The redox reaction that is shown above can be split into two half reactions.

The oxidation half-reaction is shown below.

$\text{Zn}\left(\text{s}\right)\to {\text{Zn}}^{\text{2+}}\text{(aq)}+{\text{2e}}^{-}$

The reduction half-reaction is shown below.

${\text{Cu}}^{\text{2+}}\text{(aq)}+{\text{2e}}^{-}\to \text{Cu}\left(\text{s}\right)$

The oxidation half-reaction shows that the electrons are released and the reduction half-reaction shows that the electrons are utilized. This means that the electrons released from zinc atoms in the oxidation half-reaction are transferred to the copper ions in the reduction half-reaction. Therefore, redox reactions are described as electron transfer reactions.

Conclusion

The electrons are released during the oxidation half-reaction and transferred to the reduction half-reaction. Therefore, the redox reactions are described as electron transfer reactions.