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Balance the following Redox reaction, which occurs in an acidic solution, using the smallest...

Question:

Balance the following Redox reaction, which occurs in an acidic solution, using the smallest whole-number coefficients.

{eq}\rm As_2O_3(s) + NO_3(aq) \rightarrow H_3AsO_4(aq) + NO(g) \ unbalanced {/eq}

When the equation is appropriately balanced, what is the coefficient on water and which side of the equation does water appear?

(a) 4,product side

(b) 7, reactant side

Redox Reactions:

Redox reactions are chemical reactions that involve the simultaneous occurrence of reduction and oxidation. Balancing these types of reactions requires the type of medium where the reaction occurs, be it acidic or basic.

Answer and Explanation: 1

Balance the given redox reaction considering that this occurs in an acidic medium. We do this by adding {eq}\displaystyle H_2O {/eq} for the side that lacks O atoms and {eq}\displaystyle H^+ {/eq} for the side that lacks H atoms. We proceed with the solution.

{eq}\begin{align} \displaystyle As_2O_3(s) + NO_3^-(aq) &\to H_3AsO_4(aq) + NO(g) \\ \text{Balance As atoms.}\\ As_2O_3(s) + NO_3^-(aq) &\to 2H_3AsO_4(aq) + NO(g) \\ \text{Balance O atoms.}\\ As_2O_3(s) + NO_3^-(aq) + 3H_2O(l) &\to 2H_3AsO_4(aq) + NO(g)\\ \text{Balance charges.}\\ As_2O_3(s) + NO_3^-(aq) + 3H_2O(l) &\to 2H_3AsO_4(aq) + NO(g) + e^-\\ \end{align} {/eq}

The correct answer is that the coefficient of water is 3, added on the reactant side.


Learn more about this topic:

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Redox (Oxidation-Reduction) Reactions: Definitions and Examples

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Chapter 2 / Lesson 12
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What is a redox reaction (oxidation reduction reaction)? Learn about redox reaction examples, balancing redox reactions, and the redox reaction definition.


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