The half-reactions for the oxidation-reduction reaction between Al(s) and Zn₂ (aq) are represented above. Based on the half-reactions, what is the coefficient for Al(s) if the equation for the oxidation-reduction reaction is balanced with the smallest whole-number coefficients?

This is an incomplete question, here is a complete question.

The half-reactions for the oxidation-reduction reaction between Al(s) and Zn²⁺(aq) are represented above. Based on the half-reactions, what is the coefficient for Al(s) if the equation for the oxidation-reduction reaction is balanced with the smallest whole-number coefficients?

Answer :  The coefficient for Al(s) is, 2

Explanation :

Redox reaction or Oxidation-reduction reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which the oxidation and reduction reaction takes place simultaneously.

Oxidation reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which a substance looses its electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element increases. Or we can say that in oxidation, the loss of electrons takes place.

Reduction reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element decreases. Or we can say that in reduction, the gain of electrons takes place.

The given oxidation-reduction half reaction are :

Oxidation :

Reduction :

Now balance the charge.

In order to balance the electrons, we multiply the oxidation reaction by 2 and reduction reaction by 3 and then added both equation, we get the balanced redox reaction.

Oxidation :

Reduction :

The balanced chemical equation will be,

Thus, the coefficient for Al(s) is, 2