Question

Identify each half-reaction below as either oxidation or reduction.

a) Cu → Cu^2+ + 2e^-
b) 2H^+ + 2e^- → H_2

Answer 1

The oxidation half-reaction is Cu → Cu^2+ + 2e-, which is an oxidation reaction. The reduction half-reaction is 2H+ + 2e^- → H2, which is a reduction reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The oxidation half-reaction is a) Cu → Cu^2+ + 2e^-, which involves the loss of electrons by the Cu (copper) atom, making it an oxidation reaction.

The reduction half-reaction is b) 2H^+ + 2e^- → H2, which involves the gain of electrons by H+ ions, making it a reduction reaction.