Chapter 18: Problem 30
Balance each of the following redox reactions in acid solution. (a) \(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{-}(\mathrm{aq})+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}(\mathrm{aq}) \rightarrow \mathrm{Mn}^{2+}(\mathrm{aq})+\mathrm{CO}_{2}(\mathrm{~g})\) (b) \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}(\mathrm{~g})+\mathrm{Br}^{-}(\mathrm{aq}) \rightarrow \mathrm{Cl}^{-}(\mathrm{aq})+\mathrm{Br}_{2}(\ell)\) (c) \(\mathrm{Cu}(\mathrm{s})+\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}(\mathrm{aq}) \rightarrow \mathrm{NO}(\mathrm{g})+\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}(\mathrm{aq})\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Assign Oxidation Numbers
Split into Half-Reactions
Balance Each Half-Reaction
Equalize Electrons Transferred
Combine Half-Reactions and Simplify
Verify Atom and Charge Balance
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Balancing Chemical Equations
- Identify the reactants and products: Write down the chemical formulas for all reactants and products involved in the reaction.
- Separate into half-reactions: In cases of redox reactions, divide the reaction into two half-reactions, one for oxidation and one for reduction.
- Balance atoms other than O and H: First balance atoms that are not oxygen or hydrogen.
- Balance oxygen atoms: Use water molecules to balance oxygen atoms.
- Balance hydrogen atoms: Add hydrogen ions (H+) to balance hydrogen atoms, especially in acidic solutions.
- Balance the charge: Add electrons to the side that requires balancing of charge.
- Equalize electrons in both half-reactions: By multiplying the half-reactions, ensure that the number of electrons lost in oxidation equals the number gained in reduction.
- Combine and simplify: Combine the half-reactions back into a balanced equation, simplifying where possible, especially by canceling out species that appear on both sides.
- Verify the balance: Check both atom and charge balance to confirm that the equation is correctly balanced.
Oxidation States
Here are some key points to consider:
- Element oxidation states: Pure elements have an oxidation state of zero. For example, N2 or O2 have an oxidation state of 0.
- Simple ions: The oxidation state is equal to the ion's charge. For instance, Cl- has an oxidation state of -1.
- Oxygen and hydrogen: In most compounds, oxygen has an oxidation state of -2, while hydrogen is usually +1.
- Tracking electron transfer: Changes in oxidation states indicate electron transfer, vital for balancing redox reactions. When an element's oxidation state increases, it is oxidized (loses electrons). Conversely, a decrease in oxidation state means reduction (gain of electrons).
- Assigning oxidation states: Use known oxidation states and the rule that the sum of oxidation states in a compound must equal its overall charge to assign unknown oxidation states to other elements.
Acidic Solution Reactions
Here are essential aspects of balancing these reactions:
- Inclusion of H+ ions: Since the reaction takes place in an acidic medium, balancing involves adding H+ ions to one or both sides of the half-reactions. This balances hydrogen atoms and often helps close the charge balance gap.
- Use of water: Water molecules (H2O) are used to balance oxygen atoms that do not have counter hydrogen from H+ additions.
- Balancing technique: Balancing in acidic solutions often follows a pattern where after balancing all other elements, O and H are balanced by adding H2O and H+. Remember to check the charges and add the right number of electrons to balance them across both half-reactions.
- Confirm overall balance: Even after balancing for H+ and using water, make it a step to verify that all atoms and the total charge are equal on both sides of the equation for the final check.