Chapter 4, Problem 10RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The species that is getting oxidized and reduced in a redox reaction has to be identified and the steps involved in balancing a redox reaction has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Redox reactions are the reactions in which both oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously.  Oxidation is the removal electron from an atom or ion.  Oxidation process increases the oxidation number.  Reduction is the addition of electron to an atom or ion.  Reduction process decreases the oxidation number.  The electrochemical reaction of zinc with copper sulphate is an example of redox reaction.

${\text{Zn(s)+CuSO}}_{\text{4}}\text{(aq)}\to {\text{ZnSO}}_{\text{4}}\text{+Cu(s)}$