When balancing a redox equation by the ion electron method, the two half equations must be multiplied so that
Correct answer: B. the number of electrons lost equals the number gained
- A. the number of atoms of oxygen is the same in both
- B. the number of electrons lost equals the number gained
- C. the charges on both sides are zero
- D. the coefficients are all whole numbers greater than one
Explanation
Electrons cannot appear in the final equation, so the two half equations are scaled until the electrons cancel exactly on addition, which is simply a statement that charge is conserved. Oxygen and hydrogen are balanced separately by adding water and hydrogen ions in acidic solution. The total charge on each side need not be zero, only equal.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Balancing Redox Equations
Redox equations are balanced by tracking electron loss and gain through oxidation numbers or the ion-electron method. Work includes identifying oxidizing and reducing agents, balancing atoms and charge in acidic or basic medium, and ensuring that electrons lost equal electrons gained.
Practise Electrochemistry
696 free Electrochemistry MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Balancing Redox Equations questions
In balancing a redox equation in acidic medium, oxygen atoms are balanced by adding
In acidic medium, ____ is used to balance oxygen atoms in an ionic equation.
The easy way of balancing the chemical equation is_________?
Consider the following redox reaction. Zn+dil HNO3? Zn (NO3)2 + N2O + H2O The coefficient number of HNO3 in the equation is__________________?