Question

Use the half-reaction method to balance the following equation in basic solution: Fe₂⁺+ + MnO₄- → Fe₃⁺+ + Mn₂⁺+?

Answer 1

The question involves balancing the redox reaction Fe₂⁺⁺ + MnO₄⁻ → Fe₃³⁺⁺ + Mn²⁺⁺ in basic solution using the half-reaction method, which requires balancing charges, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Half-Reaction Method in Basic Solution

To balance the equation Fe₂⁺⁺ + MnO₄⁻ → Fe₃⁺⁺ + Mn²⁺⁺ in basic solution, we use the half-reaction method. This involves balancing the charge, hydrogen, and oxygen for each half-reaction. For iron, the half-reaction balances easily:

• Fe²⁺⁺ → Fe³⁺⁺ + 1e⁻

The manganese half-reaction is more complex due to the presence of oxygen and requires the inclusion of water and hydroxide ions:

1. Balance Mn and O: MnO₄⁻ + 2H₂O → Mn²⁺⁺ + 4OH⁻
2. Balance hydrogen by adding H₂O on the other side: (no change needed here, as water and hydroxide have balanced the hydrogens)
3. Balance charge by adding electrons: MnO₄⁻ + 2H₂O + 3e⁻ → Mn²⁺⁺ + 4OH⁻

Combine the balanced half-reactions, ensuring to multiply the reactions by appropriate factors to cancel out the electrons. After combining and simplifying, you obtain the balanced equation in basic solution. Remember to cancel out any water or hydroxide ions that appear on both sides.