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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?
Identify the species being oxidized and reduced. Here, Fe^{2+} is oxidized to Fe^{3+}, and MnO_4^- is reduced to Mn^{2+}.
Write the oxidation half-reaction by showing Fe^{2+} losing electrons to become Fe^{3+}. The general form is: \(\mathrm{Fe^{2+} \rightarrow Fe^{3+} + e^-}\).
Write the reduction half-reaction for permanganate ion (MnO_4^-) in acidic solution. Start with \(\mathrm{MnO_4^-}\) and add \(\mathrm{H^+}\) ions and electrons to balance oxygen and charge, forming \(\mathrm{Mn^{2+}}\) and water.
Balance oxygen atoms by adding \(\mathrm{H_2O}\) molecules on the appropriate side, and balance hydrogen atoms by adding \(\mathrm{H^+}\) ions.
Balance the charge by adding electrons (\(e^-\)) to the side that needs them so that both mass and charge are balanced in each half-reaction.