Chapter 4.6, Problem 4.9E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given equation has to be balanced by half-reaction method.

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.

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

A chemical equation is the figurative representation of chemical reaction.  In a chemical equation the reactants are in the left side and the products are in the right side.  A balanced chemical equation serves as an easy tool for understanding a chemical reaction.