Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correctly balanced redox reaction for S2O3^2- (aq) + Cl2(g) → SO4^2- (aq) + Cl^- (aq) in acidic solution?
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Balancing Redox Reactions: Acidic Solutions
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the balanced redox reaction for Cu(s) + NO₃⁻(aq) → Cu²⁺(aq) + NO₂(g) in an acidic solution?
A
2Cu(s) + NO₃⁻(aq) + 4H⁺(aq) → 2Cu²⁺(aq) + NO₂(g) + 2H₂O(l)
B
Cu(s) + NO₃⁻(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) → Cu²⁺(aq) + NO₂(g) + H₂O(l)
C
3Cu(s) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 8H⁺(aq) → 3Cu²⁺(aq) + 2NO₂(g) + 4H₂O(l)
D
Cu(s) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 4H⁺(aq) → Cu²⁺(aq) + 2NO₂(g) + 2H₂O(l)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation and reduction half-reactions. Copper (Cu) is oxidized to Cu²⁺, and nitrate (NO₃⁻) is reduced to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Write the oxidation half-reaction: Cu(s) → Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻.
Write the reduction half-reaction: NO₃⁻(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) + e⁻ → NO₂(g) + H₂O(l).
Balance the electrons transferred in both half-reactions by multiplying the oxidation half-reaction by 2 and the reduction half-reaction by 3 to equalize the number of electrons.
Combine the balanced half-reactions, ensuring that the electrons cancel out, and adjust the coefficients to balance the atoms and charges in the overall redox reaction.
1:46mWatch next
Master Balancing Acidic Redox Reactions with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Balancing Redox Reactions: Acidic Solutions practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations