Balance the following equation in acidic solution using the lowest possible integers and give the coefficient of H+.

Question

Balance the following equation in acidic solution using the lowest possible integers and give the coefficient of H⁺.

MnO₄^-(aq) + H₂SO₃(aq) → Mn²⁺(aq) + HSO₄^-(aq)

the answer is: 1

please show steps so I can follow along, thank you!

Answer 1

Using the same approach as in the previous question...

MnO₄^- ===> Mn²⁺ + 4H₂O ... to balance oxygen

H₂SO₃ + H₂O ==> HSO₄^-

MnO₄^- + 8H⁺ ===> Mn²⁺ + 4H₂O ... to balance hydrogen using acid solution

H₂SO₃ + H₂O ==> HSO₄^- + 3H⁺

MnO₄^- + 8H⁺ + 5e- ===> Mn²⁺ + 4H₂O ... to balance charge

H₂SO₃ + H₂O ==> HSO₄^- + 3H⁺ + 2e-

2MnO₄^- + 16H⁺ + 10e- ===> 2Mn²⁺ + 8H₂O ... to equalize electrons

5H₂SO₃ + 5H₂O ==> 5HSO₄^- + 15H⁺ + 10e-

Adding half reactions...

2MnO₄^- + 16H⁺ + 10e- + 5H₂SO₃ + 5H₂O ==> 2Mn²⁺ + 8H₂O + 5HSO₄^- + 15H⁺ + 10e-

Combining like terms and canceling terms on opposite sides of equation...

2MnO₄^- + 5H₂SO₃ + H⁺ ==> 2Mn²⁺ + 5HSO₄^- + 3H₂O ... balanced for mass and charge