What is the balanced half reaction that occurs at the anode in the overall cell reaction of a voltaic cell? 3 MnO4–(aq) + 5 Fe(s) → 3 Mn2+(aq) + 5 Fe3+(aq)
Determine the oxidation and reduction processes. Oxidation occurs at the anode, where Fe(s) is oxidized to Fe3+(aq).
Write the oxidation half-reaction for iron: Fe(s) → Fe3+(aq) + 3 e–.
Verify the number of electrons lost in the oxidation half-reaction matches the number of electrons gained in the reduction half-reaction.
Ensure the half-reaction is balanced in terms of mass and charge, confirming that Fe(s) → Fe3+(aq) + 3 e– is the correct balanced half-reaction at the anode.