Question

For the basic reaction of this unbalanced reaction,

MnO4- + I- -> MnO2 + I2
when balanced, the coefficient of MnO4- and H2O will be:

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Answer 1

To balance the given redox reaction in a basic solution, the coefficients for MnO4- and H2O are 2 and 8 respectively, after adding OH- ions to neutralize the charges and using H2O to balance the oxygen atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks to balance the redox reaction in a basic solution: MnO4- + I- -> MnO2 + I2. Balancing this reaction involves several steps: First balancing the Mn atoms, then the I atoms, followed by balancing oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H) atoms. When done correctly in a basic solution, OH- ions are added to balance the charges and H2O molecules to balance the oxygen atoms.

The correct coefficients for MnO4- and H2O in the balanced equation are as follows: 2 MnO4- + 10 I- + 16 OH- -> 2 MnO2 + 5 I2 + 8 H2O. Hence, the coefficient for MnO4- is 2 and for H2O is 8.

The balance for the H atoms is done by adding H2O molecules to the products side because we are in a basic solution and OH- ions are present. It might also be necessary to add OH- ions to the reactants side if there are excess H+ ions that need to be balanced.