Question

Consider the reaction below.

2 upper I superscript minus (a q) plus upper C l subscript 2 (g) right arrow 2 upper C l minus (a q) plus upper I subscript 2 (a q).

Which half reaction correctly describes the reduction that is taking place?
Upper C l subscript 2 9 g) plus e superscript minus right arrow 2 upper C l superscript minu (a).
Upper C l subscript 2 (g) plus e superscript minus right arrow 2 upper C l superscript minus (a q).
2 upper I superscript minus (a q) right arrow upper I subscript 2 (a q) plus 2 e subscript minus.
2 upper I superscript minus (a q) right arrow upper I subscript 2 (a q) plus e superscript minus.

Answer 1

Reduction is chlorine gaining electrons. The correct half‑reaction is

Cl2(g) + 2 e− → 2 Cl−(aq).

(Among the given choices the Cl2 → 2 Cl− option is the intended reduction half‑reaction, but it should show 2 e−, not 1.)