Chapter 5.7, Problem 5.27P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The oxidation and reduction species of the reaction and the half reaction of the given reaction has to be given.

The given reaction is,

  $\text{Zn+HgO}\stackrel{}{\to }\text{ZnO+Hg}$

Concept introduction:

Oxidation and Oxidizing agent:

In the oxidation process, the electrons are lossed from an atom.  A compound that gains electrons during oxidation is known as oxidizing agent.

Reducing and Reducing agent:

Reduction is the gain of electrons by an atom and a compound that loses electrons during reduction is called as a reducing agent.