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Write the balanced half-equation describing the oxidation of mercury to hgo in a basic aqueous solution. Please include the states of matter for each compound.

User TreK
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1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:


Hg^0+2OH^-\rightarrow Hg^(2+)O+H_2O+2e^-

Step-by-step explanation:

Hello,

In this case, mercury (II) oxide (HgO) is obtained via the reaction:


Hg(l)+O_2\rightarrow HgO

Nonetheless, since it is a reaction carried out in basic solution, mercury's half-reaction only, must be:


Hg^0+2OH^-\rightarrow Hg^(2+)O+H_2O+2e^-

Thus, it is seen that OH ionis should be added due to the basic aqueous solution considering that 2 electrons are transferred from 0 to 2 in mercury.

Best regards.

User Leemon
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