Question

Use the half reaction method to balance the following redox reaction in acidic solution

NH₃OH (aq) + HNO₂(aq) → N₂O₄(g) + N₂H₅(aq) (acidic solution

Answer 1

The half-reaction method requires breaking down a redox reaction into oxidation and reduction half-reactions, balancing for elements, oxygen, and hydrogen, and then balancing the charge with electrons. An error in the provided chemical equation prevents a specific answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the given redox reaction using the half-reaction method in an acidic solution, we must break it into two half-reactions, one for oxidation and one for reduction. However, given that the question contains an error in the chemical equation (NH₃OH is not a common or valid chemical compound), a correct balanced redox reaction cannot be provided without the correct reactants. In general, for the half-reaction method:

1. Write the unbalanced half-reactions for oxidation and reduction.
2. Balance all elements except hydrogen and oxygen.
3. Balance oxygen atoms by adding H2O to the side deficient in oxygen.
4. Balance hydrogen atoms by adding H+ to the side deficient in hydrogen.
5. Balance the charge by adding electrons (e-).
6. Equalize the number of electrons in both half-reactions and add them together to get the overall balanced equation.

Note that specific balancing will depend on the correct chemical species involved.