Question

Balance the following equation in acidic conditions. Phases are optional. C₂O₄²⁻ + MnO₂ --> Mn²⁺ + CO₂

Answer 1

To balance the equation in acidic conditions, follow the steps for balancing redox reactions. Balance the atoms, then add water molecules and hydrogen ions to balance oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Finally, balance the charges by adding electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the equation in acidic conditions, we need to follow the steps for balancing redox reactions. The equation is:

C₂O₄²⁻ + MnO₂ → Mn²⁺ + CO₂

1. Balance the atoms other than hydrogen and oxygen. In this case, we only need to balance the carbon and manganese atoms:

C₂O₄²⁻ + MnO₂ → 2 Mn²⁺ + CO₂

1. Balance the oxygen atoms by adding water molecules:

C₂O₄²⁻ + MnO₂ → 2 Mn²⁺ + CO₂ + H₂O

1. Balance the hydrogen atoms by adding H+ ions:

C₂O₄²⁻ + MnO₂ + 4 H⁺ → 2 Mn²⁺ + CO₂ + H₂O

1. Balance the charges by adding electrons:

C₂O₄²⁻ + MnO₂ + 4 H⁺ + 4 e⁻ → 2 Mn²⁺ + CO₂ + H₂O

The balanced equation in acidic conditions is:

C₂O₄²⁻ + MnO₂ + 4 H⁺ + 4 e⁻ → 2 Mn²⁺ + CO₂ + H₂O