Question

How do you balance redox equations in acidic solutions?

Answer 1

Answer:

First, balance the half-reactions

Second, equalize the electrons

Third,add two reaction equations to get final answer

Explanation:

For example

H₂C₂0₄ + MnO⁻₄ ---------->CO₂+Mn²⁺

(i) Balancing the half reactions

H₂C₂O₄-------->2CO₂+2H⁺+2e⁻

5e⁻ +8H⁺+MnO₄⁻----------->Mn²⁺+4H₂O

(ii)

Equalizing the electrons

5H₂C₂O₄--------->10CO₂+10H⁺+10e⁻  ---here there is a factor of 5

10e⁻+16H⁺+2MnO₄⁻--------->2Mn²⁺+8H₂O -----here there is a factor of 2

(iii)

Add the two where electrons and some Hydrogen ions will cancel out

5H₂C₂O₄+6H⁺+2MnO₄⁻---->10CO₂+2Mn²⁺+8H₂O