Final answer:
To balance the reaction of permanganate ion with nitrous acid in an acidic solution to produce nitrate and Mn²⁻, the balanced equation is MnO₄⁻ (aq) + 5 HNO₂ (aq) + 6 H⁺ (aq) → 5 NO₃⁻ (aq) + Mn²⁻ (aq) + 3 H₂O (l).
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking for help with balancing a redox reaction in an acidic solution. When permanganate ion (MnO₄⁻) reacts with nitrous acid (HNO₂) in an acidic solution, the products are nitrate (NO₃⁻) and Mn²⁻. To balance this equation, we need to account for the change in oxidation states of the manganese and nitrogen and ensure mass and charge balance.
The balanced equation should be:
MnO₄⁻ (aq) + 5 HNO₂ (aq) + 6 H⁺ (aq) → 5 NO₃⁻ (aq) + Mn²⁻ (aq) + 3 H₂O (l)
This equation shows that manganese is reduced from a +7 oxidation state to a +2 state, and nitrogen is oxidized from a +3 state to a +5 state.