Balancing redox equations, Chemistry

Assignment Help:

Q. How to balance a redox equation?

Ans.

Redox equations may be written and balanced by the ionic half-reaction method. Let's use the half-reaction method to balance the following equation:

Ag+ + Zn -> Ag + Zn2+

1. Separate ionic half-reactions are written for the reduction half-reaction and for the oxidation half-reaction.

Ag+ + e- -> Ag (reduction)

Zn -> Zn2+ + 2e- (oxidation)

2. Multiply each half-reaction by a number such that the number of electrons gained in one half-reaction is equal to that lost in the other.

In the example, this is done by multiplying the Ag half-reaction by 2:

2Ag+ + 2e- -> 2Ag

There are now two moles of electron gained in the reduction half-reaction, and two moles of electrons gained in the oxidation half-reaction. Therefore, the electron gain and loss are now balanced.

3. The half-reactions are now added:

2Ag+ + 2e- -> 2Ag

+ Zn -> Zn2+ + 2e-

2Ag+ + Zn -> 2Ag + Zn2+

Note, that when adding the half reactions, there are 2e- on the left side of the equation and 2e- on the right side of the equation. Therefore, the electrons cancel each other out and do not appear in the net reaction equation.

Double check to see if you balanced the reaction correctly. Notice that there is a total charge of +2 on both sides. Notice that the number of atoms on each side of the equation is also balanced.


Related Discussions:- Balancing redox equations

What is free energy?, THermodynamic free enrgy is the amount of work a ther...

THermodynamic free enrgy is the amount of work a thermodynamic system can perform. The concept is useful in the thermodynamics of chemical or thermal processes in engineering and

The Effect of HEat On MEtal Carbonates , In the discussion it asks, what is...

In the discussion it asks, what is a possible extension that can be cinsidered, can u please help me , thanks :)

Isomerism in coordination compounds, Q. Isomerism in Coordination Compounds...

Q. Isomerism in Coordination Compounds? You have already learnt about isomerism in your earlier studies. The phenomenon of isomerism is not restricted to organic compounds only

The electronic configuration & atomic number, The electronic configuration ...

The electronic configuration (outermost) of Mn +2   ion (atomic number of Mn= 25  ) in its ground state is: (1) 3d 5 , 4s o                          (2) 3d 4 , 4s 1   (3

Mordant dyes - classification of dyes, Mordant dyes: These dyes compri...

Mordant dyes: These dyes comprise no natural affinity for the fabric and are applied to it along with the help of specific additional substances termed as mordants. A mordant

Calculate the feed rate of water, Liquid-liquid extraction is used to separ...

Liquid-liquid extraction is used to separate acetone and MIBK. A mixture of acetone and MIBK is fed to a mixing tank at a rate of 100 kg/min. Pure water is also fed to the tank and

Lactic acid, chemical reaction of lactic acid

chemical reaction of lactic acid

Gas laws, molecular chlorine and molecular fluorine combine to form a gaseo...

molecular chlorine and molecular fluorine combine to form a gaseous product.Under the same conditions of temperature and pressure it is found that one volume of Cl2 reacts with thr

Chemical characterstics of carbonyl compounds, Chemical characterstics of c...

Chemical characterstics of carbonyl compounds Carbonyl compounds provide chemical reactions due to carbonyl group and α-hydrogens. Carbonyl compounds' Chemical reactions can

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd