NaClO(aq) + Zn(s) → Zn(OH)2(s) + Cl–(aq) + Na+(aq)
basic environment
Zn(s) + 2 H2O(l) → Zn(OH)2(s) + 2 H+(aq) + 2 e–
NaClO(aq) + 2 H+(aq) + 2 e– → Cl–(aq) + Na+(aq) + H2O(l)
sum and eliminate common species
NaClO(aq) + Zn(s) + H2O(l) → Zn(OH)2(s) + Cl–(aq) + Na+(aq)
No H+(aq) to worry about!