Question

Write the balanced half-reaction equation for when H₂O₂(aq) acts as an oxidizing agent in an acidic solution. Phases are optional.

Answer 1

To balance the half-reaction for H2O2 acting as an oxidizing agent in an acidic solution, follow the half-reaction method, ending with the equation H2O2 → O2 + 2H+ + 2e-, which is balanced for mass and charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

To write the balanced half-reaction equation for when H2O2 (aqueous hydrogen peroxide) acts as an oxidizing agent in an acidic solution, we should follow the half-reaction method. The steps for this process are as follows:

1. Write the skeletal equation for the oxidation and reduction half-reactions.
2. Balance all elements except oxygen and hydrogen.
3. Balance oxygen atoms by adding H2O molecules.
4. Balance hydrogen atoms by adding H+ ions.
5. Balance charge by adding electrons (e-).
6. If necessary, multiply each half-reaction's coefficients by the smallest possible integers to yield equal numbers of electrons in each.
7. Add the balanced half-reactions together and simplify by removing species that appear on both sides of the equation.

Here is the balanced half-reaction for H2O2 acting as an oxidizing agent:

H2O2 (aq) → O2 (g) + 2H+ (aq) + 2e-

This equation is balanced for mass and charge, with oxygen being balanced by water on the product side followed by balancing of hydrogen and charge.