Explain the balancing of a redox reaction by the half-reaction method with a suitable example.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
Step-$1$: Write the unbalanced equation for the reaction in ionic form:
$Fe_{(aq)}^{+2} + Cr_{2}O_{7_{(aq)}}^{-2} \rightarrow Fe_{(aq)}^{+3} + Cr_{(aq)}^{+3}$
Step-$2$: Separate the equation into two half-reactions.
Oxidation half: $Fe_{(aq)}^{+2} \rightarrow Fe_{(aq)}^{+3}$
Reduction half: $Cr_{2}O_{7_{(aq)}}^{-2} \rightarrow Cr_{(aq)}^{+3}$
Step-$3$: Balance the atoms other than $O$ and $H$ in each half-reaction. For the reduction half-reaction,multiply $Cr^{+3}$ by $2$ to balance $Cr$ atoms:
$Cr_{2}O_{7_{(aq)}}^{-2} \rightarrow 2Cr_{(aq)}^{+3}$
Step-$4$: For reactions in acidic medium,add $H_{2}O$ to balance $O$ atoms and $H^{+}$ to balance $H$ atoms:
$Cr_{2}O_{7_{(aq)}}^{-2} + 14H_{(aq)}^{+} \rightarrow 2Cr_{(aq)}^{+3} + 7H_{2}O_{(l)}$
Step-$5$: Add electrons to balance the charges. Multiply the oxidation half-reaction by $6$ to equalize the electrons:
Oxidation half: $6Fe_{(aq)}^{+2} \rightarrow 6Fe_{(aq)}^{+3} + 6e^{-}$
Reduction half: $Cr_{2}O_{7_{(aq)}}^{-2} + 14H_{(aq)}^{+} + 6e^{-} \rightarrow 2Cr_{(aq)}^{+3} + 7H_{2}O_{(l)}$
Step-$6$: Add the two half-reactions to obtain the balanced overall reaction:
$6Fe_{(aq)}^{+2} + Cr_{2}O_{7_{(aq)}}^{-2} + 14H_{(aq)}^{+} \rightarrow 6Fe_{(aq)}^{+3} + 2Cr_{(aq)}^{+3} + 7H_{2}O_{(l)}$

Explore More

Similar Questions

In neutral or alkaline solution,$MnO_{4}^{-}$ oxidises thiosulphate to.

Justify that the reaction: $2 Na ( s ) + H_2 ( g ) \rightarrow 2 NaH ( s )$ is a redox change.

Number of moles of $MnO_4^-$ required to oxidize one mole of ferrous oxalate completely in acidic medium will be .......... $moles$.

In the given half-reaction $Cr_2O_7^{2-} + ZH^{+} + e^- \to Cr^{3+} + H_2O$,find the value of $Z$.

In the reaction $I_2 + 2S_2O_3^{2-} \to 2I^{-} + S_4O_6^{2-}$,the equivalent weight of iodine will be equal to

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo