What do you call a rusty cow? A Redox!
Balancing Redox Equations In Acidic & Basic Solution
When a redox equation takes place in aqueous solution, H + ions (acidic) or OH - ions (basic) are involved
Cr 2 O Fe 2+ Cr 3+ + Fe 3+ (in acidic solution = H+ ions present) Step 1: Assign oxidation numbers Cr 2 O Fe 2+ Cr 3+ + Fe 3+ Step 2: Determine the # of electrons transferred per atom/ion from reactants to products
Cr 2 O Fe 2+ Cr 3+ + Fe 3+ Step 3: Determine the # of electrons transferred per mole by multiplying the electrons per atom/ion by the corresponding subscript
Step 4: Make # electrons lost = # gained. Multiplier becomes the coefficient for that substance Cr 2 O Fe 2+ Cr 3+ + Fe 3+
Step 5: Balance the rest of the equation Cr 2 O Fe 2+ Cr 3+ + Fe 3+
Look!! We have Oxygen on one side of the equation but not the other. Add H+ to the reactant side and water to the product side in acid solution Add OH- to the product side and water to the reactant side in basic solution Cr 2 O Fe 2+ 2Cr Fe 3+
Calculate the net charge on the products and reactants Cr 2 O Fe 2+ 2Cr Fe 3+
Balance the charges by adding the number of H+ ions required. (because it’s in acid!) Balance the hydrogen & oxygen by adding water to the product side. Cr 2 O Fe 2+ 2Cr Fe 3+
CrO 2- + S 2 O 8 2- CrO SO 4 2- (in basic solution) Step 1: Assign oxidation #’s
CrO 2- + S 2 O 8 2- CrO SO 4 2- Step 2: Determine electrons transferred per atom
CrO 2- + S 2 O 8 2- CrO SO 4 2- Step 3: Determine electrons per mole transferred
CrO 2- + S 2 O 8 2- CrO SO 4 2- Make electrons lost = electrons gained
CrO 2- + S 2 O 8 2- CrO SO 4 2- Balance Remaining equation
CrO 2- + S 2 O 8 2- CrO SO 4 2- Balance by adding OH - to the product side and H 2 O to the reactant side