Understanding the Reaction
The reaction you've provided represents a single displacement reaction. Magnesium (Mg) is more reactive than zinc (Zn), so it displaces zinc from the zinc chloride solution.
Identifying the Reduction
* Reduction is the gain of electrons. In this reaction, zinc ions (Zn²⁺) in the solution gain electrons to become solid zinc (Zn).
Writing the Reduction Half-Reaction
1. Identify the species involved: Zn²⁺ (aq) and Zn (s)
2. Balance the atoms: The atoms are already balanced.
3. Balance the charge: Add two electrons to the left side of the equation to balance the +2 charge of the zinc ion.
The reduction half-reaction is:
Zn²⁺ (aq) + 2e⁻ → Zn (s)
