Textbook Question
Balance each redox reaction occurring in acidic aqueous solution. a. K(s) + Cr3+(aq) → Cr(s) + K+(aq) b. Al(s) + Fe2+(aq) → Al3+(aq) + Fe(s)
Ch.20 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 20, Problem 38a
Balance each redox reaction occurring in acidic aqueous solution. a. Zn(s) + Sn2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Sn(s)
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Identify the oxidation and reduction half-reactions. Zn is oxidized from Zn(s) to Zn^{2+}(aq), and Sn^{2+}(aq) is reduced to Sn(s).
Write the oxidation half-reaction: Zn(s) \rightarrow Zn^{2+}(aq) + 2e^{-}.
Write the reduction half-reaction: Sn^{2+}(aq) + 2e^{-} \rightarrow Sn(s).
Since the number of electrons lost in the oxidation half-reaction equals the number of electrons gained in the reduction half-reaction, the electrons cancel out when the half-reactions are added together.
Combine the balanced half-reactions to obtain the balanced overall redox reaction: Zn(s) + Sn^{2+}(aq) \rightarrow Zn^{2+}(aq) + Sn(s).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Redox Reactions
Redox reactions, or reduction-oxidation reactions, involve the transfer of electrons between two species. In these reactions, one species is oxidized (loses electrons) while another is reduced (gains electrons). Understanding the oxidation states of the elements involved is crucial for identifying which species undergo oxidation and reduction.
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Identifying Redox Reactions
Balancing Redox Reactions
Balancing redox reactions requires ensuring that both mass and charge are conserved. This is typically done using the half-reaction method, where the oxidation and reduction processes are balanced separately before combining them. In acidic solutions, hydrogen ions (H+) and water (H2O) are often added to balance the equation.
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01:04Balancing Basic Redox Reactions
Acidic Aqueous Solution
An acidic aqueous solution contains a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-). This environment affects the behavior of the reactants and products in a redox reaction. When balancing reactions in such solutions, it is essential to account for the presence of H+ ions and water to maintain charge and mass balance.
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01:11Types of Aqueous Solutions
Related Practice
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