Question

What is the smallest whole-number coefficient for h₂s when the equation h₂s mno₄⁻ → mn²⁺ so₄²⁻ is balanced in acidic solution?

Answer 1

The lowest smallest whole-number coefficient for H₂S is 5. Option C

What is the smallest whole-number coefficient for H₂S?

Now we know that a redox reaction is one in which there is a loss and gain of electrons One specie is oxidized (looses electrons) while another specie is reduced (gains electrons). The electrons must be transferred leading to an increase in oxidation number of one specie and a decrease in the oxidation number of another.

Now the reduction half equation is;

MnO4^-(aq) + 8H^+(aq) + 5e^- ----> Mn^2+(aq) + 4H2O (l)

The oxidation  half equation is;

H2S(aq) ----> S^2-(aq) + 2H^+(aq) + 2e^-

Multiplying the reduction half equation by 2 and the  oxidation  half equation is 5

2MnO4^-(aq) + 16H^+(aq) + 10e^- ----> 2Mn^2+(aq) + 8H2O (l)

And;

5H2S(aq) ----> 5S^2-(aq) + 10H^+(aq) + 10e^-

The overall balanced reaction equation is;

2MnO4^-(aq) + 6H^+(aq) + 5H2S(aq) ----> 2Mn^2+(aq) + 8H2O (l) + 5S^2-(aq)

Thus the lowest smallest whole-number coefficient for H₂S is 5.

Learn more about redox reaction:brainly.com/question/13293425

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