Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly represents the balanced half-reactions for the redox reaction MnO_4^- + Fe^{2+} → Mn^{2+} + Fe^{3+} in acidic solution?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Balancing Redox Reactions: Acidic Solutions
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What is the coefficient of Fe3+ when the following reaction is balanced?
Bi3+ (aq) + Fe3+ (aq) + H2O (l) → BiO3- (aq) + Fe2+ (aq) + H+ (aq)
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
E
6
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation states of each element in the reaction. Bi3+ is in the +3 oxidation state, Fe3+ is in the +3 oxidation state, and Fe2+ is in the +2 oxidation state. BiO3- has Bi in the +5 oxidation state.
Determine the changes in oxidation states. Bi3+ is oxidized to BiO3-, increasing its oxidation state from +3 to +5. Fe3+ is reduced to Fe2+, decreasing its oxidation state from +3 to +2.
Use the changes in oxidation states to balance the electrons transferred. Bi3+ gains 2 electrons to become BiO3-, and Fe3+ loses 1 electron to become Fe2+. Therefore, for every Bi3+ ion, 2 Fe3+ ions are needed to balance the electron transfer.
Balance the atoms and charges in the reaction. Ensure that the number of atoms of each element and the overall charge are the same on both sides of the equation.
Verify the balanced equation by checking that the number of each type of atom and the total charge are equal on both sides. The coefficient of Fe3+ should be 2 to balance the electron transfer.
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