Question

Given the partial equation:

IO³⁻ (aq) + Sn²⁺ (aq) → I⁻ (aq) + Sn⁴⁺ (aq),
balance the reaction in acidic solution using the half-reaction method and fill in the coefficients.
The missing blanks represent H2O, H+, or OH-, as required to balance the reaction. Enter the coefficients as integers, using the lowest whole numbers. If the coefficient for something is "1", make sure to type that in and not leave it blank. Enter only the coefficients.
IO³⁻ (aq) + Sn²⁺ (aq) + _____ → I⁻ (aq) + Sn⁴⁺ (aq) + _____

Answer 1

Answer : The balanced chemical equation in acidic medium will be,

`IO_3^-(aq)+2Sn^(2+)(aq)+6H^+(aq)\rightarrow I^-(aq)+2Sn^(4+)(aq)+3H_2O(l)`

Explanation :

Redox reaction or Oxidation-reduction reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which the oxidation and reduction reaction takes place simultaneously.

Oxidation reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which a substance looses its electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element increases. Or we can say that in oxidation, the loss of electrons takes place.

Reduction reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element decreases. Or we can say that in reduction, the gain of electrons takes place.

Rules for the balanced chemical equation in acidic solution are :

First we have to write into the two half-reactions.

Now balance the main atoms in the reaction.

Now balance the hydrogen and oxygen atoms on both the sides of the reaction.

If the oxygen atoms are not balanced on both the sides then adding water molecules at that side where the less number of oxygen are present.

If the hydrogen atoms are not balanced on both the sides then adding hydrogen ion
`(H^+)` at that side where the less number of hydrogen are present.

Now balance the charge.

The given chemical reaction is,

`IO_3^-(aq)+Sn^(2+)(aq)\rightarrow I^-(aq)+Sn^(4+)(aq)`

The oxidation-reduction half reaction will be :

Oxidation :
`Sn^(2+)\rightarrow Sn^(4+)`

Reduction :
`IO_3^-\rightarrow I^-`

First balance the main element in the reaction.

Oxidation :
`Sn^(2+)\rightarrow Sn^(4+)`

Reduction :
`IO_3^-\rightarrow I^-`

Now balance oxygen atom on both side.

Oxidation :
`Sn^(2+)\rightarrow Sn^(4+)`

Reduction :
`IO_3^-\rightarrow I^-+3H_2O`

Now balance hydrogen atom on both side.

Oxidation :
`Sn^(2+)\rightarrow Sn^(4+)`

Reduction :
`IO_3^-+6H^+\rightarrow I^-+3H_2O`

Now balance the charge.

Oxidation :
`Sn^(2+)\rightarrow Sn^(4+)+2e^-`

Reduction :
`IO_3^-+6H^++4e^-\rightarrow I^-+3H_2O`

The charges are not balanced on both side of the reaction. Thus, we are multiplying oxidation reaction by 2 and the adding both equation, we get the balanced redox reaction.

Oxidation :
`2Sn^(2+)\rightarrow 2Sn^(4+)+4e^-`

Reduction :
`IO_3^-+6H^++4e^-\rightarrow I^-+3H_2O`

The balanced chemical equation in acidic medium will be,

`IO_3^-(aq)+2Sn^(2+)(aq)+6H^+(aq)\rightarrow I^-(aq)+2Sn^(4+)(aq)+3H_2O(l)`