Question

The balanced half-reaction in which sulfate ion is reduced to sulfite ion is a ________ process. Group of answer choices a) four-electron b) six-electron c) two-electron d) one-electron e) three-electron.

Answer 1

Answer:

The balanced half-reaction in which sulfate ion is reduced to sulfite ion is a two electron process

Explanation:

In the sulfate anion, S, acts with +6 in the oxidation number

SO₄⁻²

This is the anion from the sulfuric acid, when it lost the 2 protons

H₂SO₄  →  2H⁺  +  SO₄⁻²

In the sulfite anion, S, acts with +4 in the oxidation number.

SO₃⁻²

This is the anion, generated when the sulfurose acid lost the 2 protons.

H₂SO₃  → SO₃⁻²  +  2H⁺

In acidic medium

2H⁺  +  SO₄⁻²   + 2e⁻  →   SO₃⁻²  +  H₂O

In basic medium

H₂O  + SO₄⁻²   + 2e⁻  →   SO₃⁻²  + 2OH⁻