Zinc reacts with silver nitrate solution. In this reaction, zinc atoms lose electrons and silver ions gain electrons. Explain why this reaction is described as a redox reaction, and identify which species is oxidised and which is reduced. Give a reason for each answer.

AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405) — 3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox equations · Explain · 5 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Zinc reacts with silver nitrate solution to form zinc nitrate solution and silver metal.

Model answer (5 marks)

Zinc and silver undergo a redox reaction because oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously in the same process.
1. Zinc is oxidised.
• Zinc atoms lose electrons.
2. Silver ions are reduced.
• Silver ions gain electrons.

Examiner tips

  • Use the term ‘redox reaction’ to show you understand simultaneous oxidation and reduction.
  • State which species is oxidised and which is reduced, then give the electron transfer reason for each.
  • Keep the answer concise – one sentence per point is enough for full marks.

Common mistakes

  • Writing that only one species changes oxidation state, ignoring the simultaneous nature of redox.
  • Using vague terms like ‘changed’ instead of ‘oxidised’ or ‘reduced’.
  • Omitting the reason (electron loss/gain) for each species.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

  1. Oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously (in the same reaction)
  2. Zinc is oxidised
  3. Because zinc loses electrons
  4. Silver ions are reduced
  5. Because silver ions gain electrons

Key terms in this question

redox reaction · oxidised · reduced

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