Balancing Redox equations half reaction method

In summary, the conversation is about balancing an equation for a reaction in an acidic solution. The equation given is H2O2(aq) ----> H2O(l), and the homework equations state that oxygen should be balanced using H2O and hydrogen using H+. The person is confused about how to balance the ionic charges and presents their attempt at solving the problem. The expert notes that the solution given is correct for a half reaction, but it is impossible to balance the equation as a full reaction.
  • #1
Mackydoodle
9
0

Homework Statement


This is my equation. I needed to balance it in an acidic solution.

H2O2(aq)---->H2O(l)


Homework Equations


I know that you should balance oxygen using H2O & hydrogen using H+.
I am confused on how you balance the ionic charges.


The Attempt at a Solution


This is what I got for my answer
2 e- + 2H+ +H2O2---->2H2O
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Not clear to me what you are doing - are you expected to balance a half reaction? If so, what you did is OK.

What you wrote suggests you are asked to balance it as a full reaction, which is impossible.
 

What is the purpose of balancing redox equations using the half reaction method?

The purpose of balancing redox equations using the half reaction method is to ensure that the number of electrons transferred in the oxidation and reduction reactions are equal. This helps to accurately represent the chemical reactions that occur during a redox reaction.

How do you identify the oxidizing and reducing agents in a redox reaction?

In the half reaction method, the oxidizing agent is the substance that is reduced, while the reducing agent is the substance that is oxidized. To identify these agents, you can assign oxidation numbers to each element in the reaction and observe which elements are being reduced or oxidized.

What is the difference between the acidic and basic conditions in balancing redox equations?

The acidic and basic conditions refer to the pH of the solution in which the redox reaction is taking place. In acidic conditions, hydrogen ions are present in the solution and can be added to balance the number of oxygen atoms. In basic conditions, hydroxide ions are present and can be added to balance the number of hydrogen atoms.

What are spectator ions and how do they affect balancing redox equations?

Spectator ions are ions that do not participate in the redox reaction and remain in the same oxidation state. They do not affect the overall reaction and can be canceled out from both sides of the equation. However, they should still be included in the initial equation to ensure all atoms are accounted for.

Can redox reactions be balanced using the half reaction method in all cases?

Yes, the half reaction method can be used to balance redox equations in all cases. However, it may be easier to use the oxidation number method for simpler reactions. The half reaction method is especially useful for balancing reactions that occur in acidic or basic solutions.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
Back
Top