Final answer:
To solve for the reaction between permanganate and nitrite ions, two half-reactions are written to represent the reduction of MnO4− to MnO2 and the oxidation of NO2− to NO3−. After writing the skeletal equations, balance each half-reaction for atoms, oxygen (adding H2O), and hydrogen (adding OH−), and then for charge (adding e−). Finally, balance and combine the half-reactions for the overall balanced equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To write the half-reactions for the reaction between permanganate and nitrite ions, we first need to write the skeletal equations. Manganese in permanganate, MnO4−, gets reduced to manganese (IV) oxide, MnO2, while nitrite ion, NO2−, gets oxidized to nitrate ion, NO3−.
- MnO4− + e− → MnO2 (Reduction half-reaction)
- NO2− → NO3− + e− (Oxidation half-reaction)
Balance each half-reaction for atoms other than hydrogen and oxygen first. Then, balance for oxygen by adding H2O, and balance for hydrogen by adding OH−. Lastly, balance for charge by adding electrons, e−.
If necessary, multiply one or both half-reactions so that the electrons canceled out are equal. Then, combine them to get the overall balanced equation for the redox reaction. In this case, you may need to balance additional components, like H2O and OH−, to ensure the equation is balanced for a basic solution.