The oxidation and reduction half reactions are
Mg(s) → Mg²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻
and
Ni²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Ni(s)
respectively
Half reactions
From the question, we are to write the half reactions for the oxidation and reduction taking place
The given reaction is
Mg(s) + NiSO₄(aq) → MgSO₄(aq) + Ni(s)
To write the oxidation and reduction half reactions, first we will write the ionic equation for the reaction.
The ionic equation for the reaction is
Mg(s) + Ni²⁺(aq) → Mg²⁺(aq) + Ni(s)
Recall:
Oxidation is the loss of electron(s) while reduction is the gain of electron(s)
Therefore,
The oxidation half reaction is
Mg(s) → Mg²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻
and the reduction half reaction is
Ni²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Ni(s)
Hence, the oxidation and reduction half reactions are
Mg(s) → Mg²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻
and
Ni²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Ni(s)
respectively.
Learn more on half reactions here: https://brainly.com/question/1957261
