Question

Write a balanced half-reaction for the reduction of bismuth oxide ion to bismuth ion in basic aqueous solution. Be sure to add physical state symbols where appropriate.

Answer 1

Answer:

$3H_2O+(Bi^{5+}O_3)^-\rightarrow Bi^{3+}+6OH^-$

Explanation:

Hello there!

In this case, according to the required half-reaction, we start by setting it up from bismuth (V) oxide ion to bismuth (III) ion:

$BiO_3^-\rightarrow Bi^{3+}$

Thus, next realize that the oxidation state of Bi in BiO3^- is 5+ because oxygen is 2- (-2*3+x=-1;x=-1+6;x=+5), so we obtain:

$(Bi^{5+}O_3)^-\rightarrow Bi^{3+}$

Thereafter, we realize three water molecules are needed on the right in order to balance the oxygens and consequently 6 hydrogen atoms on the left to balance hydrogen:

$6H^++(Bi^{5+}O_3)^-\rightarrow Bi^{3+}+3H_2O$

Now, since the balance is is basic media, we add six molecules of hydroxide ions in order to produce water with the hydrogen ones:

$6OH^-+6H^++(Bi^{5+}O_3)^-\rightarrow Bi^{3+}+3H_2O+6OH^-\\\\6H_2O+(Bi^{5+}O_3)^-\rightarrow Bi^{3+}+3H_2O+6OH^-\\\\6H_2O-3H_2O+(Bi^{5+}O_3)^-\rightarrow Bi^{3+}+6OH^-$

Then, we accommodate the waters to obtain:

$3H_2O+(Bi^{5+}O_3)^-\rightarrow Bi^{3+}+6OH^-$

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