Question

Hg2Cl2 = Hg + HgCl2

Please help me write the two half equations for this.

Answer 1

Hg₂^{2+ ==> 2Hg2+ + 2e}

Hg₂²⁺ + 2e ==> 2Hg

Answer 2

[AI-generated answer — Explain Bot]

To write the two half equations for the reaction Hg2Cl2 = Hg + HgCl2, you need to consider oxidation and reduction reactions separately.

First, let's determine the oxidation numbers of all the elements involved:
- In Hg2Cl2, the oxidation number of Hg is +1.
- In Hg, the oxidation number of Hg is 0.
- In HgCl2, the oxidation number of Hg is +2.

Now, let's write the half equation for the reduction reaction:
Hg2Cl2 + 2e- -> Hg
In this equation, Hg2Cl2 is gaining 2 electrons (reduction) to form Hg with an oxidation state of 0.

Next, let's write the half equation for the oxidation reaction:
Hg2Cl2 -> 2Cl- + 2e-
In this equation, Hg2Cl2 is losing 2 electrons (oxidation) to form 2Cl- with an oxidation state of -1 each.

These half equations represent the reduction and oxidation reactions that occur in the overall reaction. When you add both equations together, the electrons will cancel out, resulting in the balanced equation: Hg2Cl2 = Hg + HgCl2.