Question

Complete and balance the following half-reaction in basic solution. Be sure to include the proper phases for all species within the reaction S^2-(aq) = SO2(g).

a. S^2-(aq) + 2H2O(l) = SO2(g) + 4OH^-(aq)
b. S^2-(aq) + 2H2O(l) = SO2(g) + 2OH^-(aq)
c. S^2-(aq) + H2O(l) = SO2(g) + 2OH^-(aq)
d. S^2-(aq) + 2H2O(l) = SO2(g) + OH^-(aq)

Answer 1

The balanced half-reaction of S^2-(aq) turning into SO2(g) in basic solution is S^2-(aq) + 2H2O(l) = SO2(g) + 4OH^-(aq), which ensures both charge and atom balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a basic solution, to balance the half-reaction of S2-(aq) turning into SO2(g), you need to balance both the charges and the atoms. The balanced half-reaction is:

S2-(aq) + 2H2O(l) = SO2(g) + 4OH-(aq)

This equation is balanced in terms of charge as the 2 negative charges from S2- and the 4 negative charges from 4OH- balance out. It is also balanced in terms of atoms since we have one S atom on both sides, three O atoms on the left (one from S2- and two from water) and three on the right (all in SO2), as well as four H atoms on both sides (two H2O supply four H atoms on the left and 4OH- supply four H on the right).