Question

Half reaction of SnCl4 + Zn -> Sn + ZnCl2

Answer 1

For half reactions, note that we must first identify which species is reducing/oxidizing

so

SnCl4 --> Sn

Zn --> ZnCl2

note that Cl is actually Cl- and is spectator ion

so

Sn+4(aq) --> Sn(s)

balance electrons

Sn+4(aq) + 4e- --> Sn(s)

for

Zn(s) --> Zn+2(aq)

balance e-

Zn(s) --> Zn+2(aq)+ 2e-

Note that Zinc is oxidizing and Sn is reducing;

Sn+4(aq) + 4e- --> Sn(s)

Zn(s) --> Zn+2(aq)+ 2e-

The balance:

Sn+4(aq) + 4e- --> Sn(s)

2Zn(s) --> 2Zn+2(aq)+ 4e-

Overall reaction

Sn+4(aq) + 2Zn(s) --> 2Zn+2(aq) +   Sn(s)

answered by: anonymous