In acidic environment, balance SO₃²⁻ + MnO₄⁻ → SO₄²⁻ + MnO₂ with H⁺ & e⁻: 5SO₃²⁻ + 2MnO₄⁻ + 4H⁺ → 5SO₄²⁻ + 2MnO₂ + 2H₂O + 6e⁻
Here's the balanced reaction step-by-step, assuming an acidic environment:
1. Identify the unbalanced equation:
SO₃²⁻(aq) + MnO₄⁻(aq) → SO₄²⁻(aq) + MnO₂(s)
2. Balance the oxygen atoms:
Add water (H₂O) molecules to balance the oxygen atoms not in sulfate or permanganate ions:
SO₃²⁻(aq) + MnO₄⁻(aq) → SO₄²⁻(aq) + MnO₂(s) + 2 H₂O(l)
3. Balance the hydrogen atoms:
Add protons (H⁺) to balance the hydrogen atoms in the water molecules:
SO₃²⁻(aq) + MnO₄⁻(aq) + 4 H⁺(aq) → SO₄²⁻(aq) + MnO₂(s) + 2 H₂O(l)
4. Balance the charges:
The charges on both sides of the equation are now -2 +4 +4 = +6 and -2 + 0 = -2. Add electrons (e⁻) to balance the charges:
5 SO₃²⁻(aq) + 2 MnO₄⁻(aq) + 4 H⁺(aq) → 5 SO₄²⁻(aq) + 2 MnO₂(s) + 2 H₂O(l) + 6 e⁻
5. Check for balance:
Count the atoms and charges on both sides to ensure they are equal:
Left side: 5 S, 15 O, 2 Mn, 4 H, +4 charge
Right side: 5 S, 15 O, 2 Mn, 4 H, +4 charge
The balanced equation is:
5 SO₃²⁻(aq) + 2 MnO₄⁻(aq) + 4 H⁺(aq) → 5 SO₄²⁻(aq) + 2 MnO₂(s) + 2 H₂O(l)