Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correctly balanced redox reaction for S2O3^2- (aq) + Cl2(g) → SO4^2- (aq) + Cl^- (aq) in acidic solution?
670
views
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Balancing Redox Reactions: Acidic Solutions
Multiple Choice
What is the balanced redox reaction for Cu(s) + NO₃⁻(aq) → Cu²⁺(aq) + NO₂(g) in an acidic solution?
A
2Cu(s) + NO₃⁻(aq) + 4H⁺(aq) → 2Cu²⁺(aq) + NO₂(g) + 2H₂O(l)
B
Cu(s) + NO₃⁻(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) → Cu²⁺(aq) + NO₂(g) + H₂O(l)
C
3Cu(s) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 8H⁺(aq) → 3Cu²⁺(aq) + 2NO₂(g) + 4H₂O(l)
D
Cu(s) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 4H⁺(aq) → Cu²⁺(aq) + 2NO₂(g) + 2H₂O(l)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation and reduction half-reactions. Copper (Cu) is oxidized to Cu²⁺, and nitrate (NO₃⁻) is reduced to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Write the oxidation half-reaction: Cu(s) → Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻.
Write the reduction half-reaction: NO₃⁻(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) + e⁻ → NO₂(g) + H₂O(l).
Balance the electrons transferred in both half-reactions by multiplying the oxidation half-reaction by 2 and the reduction half-reaction by 3 to equalize the number of electrons.
Combine the balanced half-reactions, ensuring that the electrons cancel out, and adjust the coefficients to balance the atoms and charges in the overall redox reaction.
Related Videos
Related Practice
