Question

Complete and balance the following

half-reaction in acidic solution

H₂SO3(aq) → SO₂²-(aq)

Answer 1

First, let's balance the non-hydrogen and non-oxygen elements:

H₂SO₃(aq) → SO₂²-(aq) + 2H+(aq)

Next, let's balance the oxygen atoms by adding water (H₂O) molecules:

H₂SO₃(aq) + H₂O(l) → SO₂²-(aq) + 2H+(aq)

Now, let's balance the hydrogen atoms by adding hydrogen ions (H⁺):

H₂SO₃(aq) + H₂O(l) → SO₂²-(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) + 2e⁻

The final balanced half-reaction in acidic solution is:

H₂SO₃(aq) + H₂O(l) → SO₂²-(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) + 2e⁻

i think