Chapter 14, Problem 4QC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Balancing of a simple oxidation-reduction reaction is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

A reaction in which reduction of a substance by gain of electrons and oxidation of other substance by loss of electrons takes place simultaneously is known as redox or oxidation-reduction reaction.

A chemical equation should be balanced because of the law of conservation of mass, which states that mass of a substance remains conserved during a chemical reaction.