Which Equation Is Balanced In An Acidic Solution?A. $SO_4^{2-} + 4H^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow SO_2(g) + 2H_2O$B. $SO_4^{2-} + 2e^- \rightarrow SO_2(g$\]C. $SO_4^{2-} + 4H^+ \rightarrow SO_2(g) + 4OH^- + 2H_2O$D. $SO_4^{2-} +

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Introduction

In chemistry, balancing equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. It involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. In this article, we will focus on balancing equations in acidic solutions, specifically for the reduction of sulfate ions (SO42-) to sulfur dioxide (SO2). We will examine four different equations and determine which one is balanced in an acidic solution.

Understanding Acidic Solutions

Before we dive into the equations, let's briefly discuss what acidic solutions are. An acidic solution is a solution that has a pH less than 7, meaning it has a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-). In an acidic solution, the concentration of H+ ions is typically in the range of 10^-5 to 10^-7 M.

Equation A: SO42−+4H++2e−→SO2(g)+2H2OSO_4^{2-} + 4H^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow SO_2(g) + 2H_2O

Let's start by examining Equation A:

SO42−+4H++2e−→SO2(g)+2H2OSO_4^{2-} + 4H^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow SO_2(g) + 2H_2O

In this equation, the sulfate ion (SO42-) is reduced to sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the presence of hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons (e-). The products are sulfur dioxide gas and water.

Analysis of Equation A

To determine if Equation A is balanced, we need to check the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. Here's the analysis:

  • Sulfur (S): 1 on the reactant side, 1 on the product side (balanced)
  • Oxygen (O): 4 on the reactant side, 4 on the product side (balanced)
  • Hydrogen (H): 4 on the reactant side, 4 on the product side (balanced)
  • Charge: The reactant side has a total charge of -2 (from the sulfate ion) + 4 (from the hydrogen ions) = -2, while the product side has a total charge of 0 (from the sulfur dioxide) + 0 (from the water) = 0. The charge is not balanced.

Conclusion for Equation A

Based on the analysis, Equation A is not balanced in an acidic solution.

Equation B: SO42−+2e−→SO2(g)SO_4^{2-} + 2e^- \rightarrow SO_2(g)

Next, let's examine Equation B:

SO42−+2e−→SO2(g)SO_4^{2-} + 2e^- \rightarrow SO_2(g)

In this equation, the sulfate ion (SO42-) is reduced to sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the presence of electrons (e-).

Analysis of Equation B

To determine if Equation B is balanced, we need to check the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. Here's the analysis:

  • Sulfur (S): 1 on the reactant side, 1 on the product side (balanced)
  • Oxygen (O): 4 on the reactant side, 2 on the product side (not balanced)
  • Charge: The reactant side has a total charge of -2 (from the sulfate ion) + 2 (from the electrons) = 0, while the product side has a total charge of 0 (from the sulfur dioxide) = 0. The charge is balanced.

Conclusion for Equation B

Based on the analysis, Equation B is not balanced in an acidic solution because the number of oxygen atoms is not balanced.

Equation C: SO42−+4H+→SO2(g)+4OH−+2H2OSO_4^{2-} + 4H^+ \rightarrow SO_2(g) + 4OH^- + 2H_2O

Now, let's examine Equation C:

SO42−+4H+→SO2(g)+4OH−+2H2OSO_4^{2-} + 4H^+ \rightarrow SO_2(g) + 4OH^- + 2H_2O

In this equation, the sulfate ion (SO42-) is reduced to sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the presence of hydrogen ions (H+).

Analysis of Equation C

To determine if Equation C is balanced, we need to check the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. Here's the analysis:

  • Sulfur (S): 1 on the reactant side, 1 on the product side (balanced)
  • Oxygen (O): 4 on the reactant side, 6 on the product side (not balanced)
  • Hydrogen (H): 4 on the reactant side, 8 on the product side (not balanced)
  • Charge: The reactant side has a total charge of -2 (from the sulfate ion) + 4 (from the hydrogen ions) = 2, while the product side has a total charge of 0 (from the sulfur dioxide) + 8 (from the hydroxide ions) + 4 (from the water) = 12. The charge is not balanced.

Conclusion for Equation C

Based on the analysis, Equation C is not balanced in an acidic solution because the number of oxygen and hydrogen atoms is not balanced.

Equation D: SO42−+4H++2e−→SO2(g)+4H2OSO_4^{2-} + 4H^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow SO_2(g) + 4H_2O

Finally, let's examine Equation D:

SO42−+4H++2e−→SO2(g)+4H2OSO_4^{2-} + 4H^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow SO_2(g) + 4H_2O

In this equation, the sulfate ion (SO42-) is reduced to sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the presence of hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons (e-).

Analysis of Equation D

To determine if Equation D is balanced, we need to check the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. Here's the analysis:

  • Sulfur (S): 1 on the reactant side, 1 on the product side (balanced)
  • Oxygen (O): 4 on the reactant side, 4 on the product side (balanced)
  • Hydrogen (H): 4 on the reactant side, 8 on the product side (not balanced)
  • Charge: The reactant side has a total charge of -2 (from the sulfate ion) + 4 (from the hydrogen ions) = 2, while the product side has a total charge of 0 (from the sulfur dioxide) + 8 (from the water) = 8. The charge is not balanced.

Conclusion for Equation D

Based on the analysis, Equation D is not balanced in an acidic solution because the number of hydrogen atoms is not balanced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, none of the four equations (A, B, C, or D) are balanced in an acidic solution. However, if we were to modify Equation D to balance the number of hydrogen atoms, we would get:

SO42−+4H++2e−→SO2(g)+2H2OSO_4^{2-} + 4H^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow SO_2(g) + 2H_2O

This modified equation is balanced in an acidic solution.

References

  • Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
  • Brown, T. E., & LeMay, H. E. (2012). Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson Education.
  • Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2011). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Pearson Education.
    Balancing Equations in Acidic Solutions: A Q&A Guide ===========================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of balancing equations in acidic solutions, specifically for the reduction of sulfate ions (SO42-) to sulfur dioxide (SO2). We examined four different equations and determined which one is balanced in an acidic solution. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you better understand the concept of balancing equations in acidic solutions.

Q: What is an acidic solution?

A: An acidic solution is a solution that has a pH less than 7, meaning it has a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-).

Q: Why is balancing equations important in acidic solutions?

A: Balancing equations is important in acidic solutions because it ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. This is crucial in understanding chemical reactions and predicting the products of a reaction.

Q: How do I determine if an equation is balanced in an acidic solution?

A: To determine if an equation is balanced in an acidic solution, you need to check the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. You should also consider the charge of the reactants and products.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing equations in acidic solutions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing equations in acidic solutions include:

  • Not considering the charge of the reactants and products
  • Not balancing the number of atoms for each element
  • Not using the correct coefficients to balance the equation

Q: How do I balance the number of atoms for each element in an equation?

A: To balance the number of atoms for each element in an equation, you need to use the correct coefficients. You can use the following steps:

  1. Count the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation.
  2. Identify the element that has the most atoms on one side of the equation.
  3. Use a coefficient to balance the number of atoms for that element on both sides of the equation.
  4. Repeat steps 2-3 for each element in the equation.

Q: What are some common types of reactions that occur in acidic solutions?

A: Some common types of reactions that occur in acidic solutions include:

  • Oxidation-reduction reactions
  • Acid-base reactions
  • Precipitation reactions

Q: How do I predict the products of a reaction in an acidic solution?

A: To predict the products of a reaction in an acidic solution, you need to consider the following factors:

  • The reactants involved in the reaction
  • The conditions of the reaction (e.g. temperature, pressure)
  • The type of reaction (e.g. oxidation-reduction, acid-base)

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when predicting the products of a reaction in an acidic solution?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when predicting the products of a reaction in an acidic solution include:

  • Not considering the conditions of the reaction
  • Not considering the type of reaction
  • Not using the correct reactants

Conclusion

In conclusion, balancing equations in acidic solutions is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can determine if an equation is balanced in an acidic solution and predict the products of a reaction. Remember to avoid common mistakes and use the correct coefficients to balance the number of atoms for each element.

References

  • Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
  • Brown, T. E., & LeMay, H. E. (2012). Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson Education.
  • Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2011). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Pearson Education.