consider the half reactions below for a chemical reaction. zn→zn²⁺(aq)+2e⁻ cu²⁺(aq)+2e⁻→cu(s) what is the…

Explanation:

Step1: Identify oxidation and reduction half - reactions

The first reaction $Zn\rightarrow Zn^{2 +}(aq)+2e^{-}$ is an oxidation half - reaction (Zn loses electrons). The second reaction $Cu^{2 +}(aq)+2e^{-}\rightarrow Cu(s)$ is a reduction half - reaction (Cu²⁺ gains electrons).

Step2: Combine the half - reactions

To get the overall reaction, we add the two half - reactions together. The electrons on the right - hand side of the oxidation half - reaction and the left - hand side of the reduction half - reaction cancel out. Adding $Zn\rightarrow Zn^{2 +}(aq)+2e^{-}$ and $Cu^{2 +}(aq)+2e^{-}\rightarrow Cu(s)$ gives $Zn(s)+Cu^{2 +}(aq)\rightarrow Zn^{2 +}(aq)+Cu(s)$.

Answer:

$Zn(s)+Cu^{2 +}(aq)\rightarrow Zn^{2 +}(aq)+Cu(s)$