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This is a Chemistry equation on Redox

Hello,

I am a physical science student with University of Maryland. It has been a long time since I have done any work with Chemistry.

I am kind of stuck trying to balance this equation.

When you add Zinc + Hydrogen into vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] that is mixed with salt. I have been trying to get it in the lines of oxidation, reduction and redox reaction. I know that Zinc gets reduced since it gains ions.

Please help with this so I can have a better knowledge.

Thank you,

Lilesh Reddy
student - Tacoma, Washington, USA
2005

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2005

Lilesh,

I think you may have confused yourself. The reaction you appear to describe is best described by mixing zinc with vinegar (acetic acid ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] ) to produce hydrogen and zinc acetate:

Zn + 2CH3COOH = Zn(CH3COO)2 + H2.

The zinc is oxidised from an oxidation state of 0 to 2:

Zn -2e = Zn(2+)

and the acetic acid ionises:

2CH3COOH = 2(CH3COO)- + 2H+

The hydrogen ions are then reduced to hydrogen by the two electrons obtained from the zinc:

2H+ + 2e = H2 (gas)

keep up with the science - it is fun!

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK