Question

Determine the oxidation numbers of all of the elements in the unbalanced reactions. Then, balance each redox reaction in basic solution. #4 Please!

Answer 1

4. According to the explanation given in one previous session, in this case we have the following reaction:

Zn + NO3- -> Zn(OH)42- + NH3

Our important informations to have in mind always first:

Single elements = 0 of oxidation number

Zn = 0

Oxygen = 2-

NO3- = overall charge must be -1, and we have 3 oxygens, so a -6 charge, therefore N must give a charge of +5

N (reactant) = 5+

Zn(OH)42- = overall charge -2, the charge for OH is always -1, we have 4 OH, therefore -4 of charge, to give -2 of overall, Zn must have a charge of +2

Zn (product) = 2+

OH = 1-

NH3 = 0

Now for the balancing of the reaction:

4 Zn + NO3- + 7 OH- + 6 H2O -> NH3 + 4 Zn(OH)42-