Chapter 17: Problem 50

Write the balanced half-reaction for the conversion of \(\operatorname{HOBr}(a q)\) to \(\mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q)\) in acidic solution.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The balanced half-reaction for the conversion of \(\operatorname{HOBr}(a q)\) to \(\mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q)\) in acidic solution is: \( 2\operatorname{HOBr}(a q) \rightarrow \mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q) + O_{2}H_{2} + 2H^{+}(a q) + 6e^{-} \)

Step by step solution

Balance Atoms Other Than Hydrogen and Oxygen

The balanced skeletal equation for the conversion is: \( \operatorname{HOBr}(a q) \rightarrow \mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q) \) Here, Bromine (Br) atoms are not balanced. To balance the bromine, we add coefficient of 2 to \( \operatorname{HOBr} \) which leads to: \( 2\operatorname{HOBr}(a q) \rightarrow \mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q) \)

Balance Oxygen Atoms by Adding Water Molecules

Now balance the oxygen atoms by adding water molecules to the right side of equation: \( 2\operatorname{HOBr}(a q) \rightarrow \mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q) + O_{2}H_{2} \)

Balance Hydrogen Atoms and Charge

The hydrogen atoms can now be balanced by adding hydrogen ions to the right side of the equation: \( 2\operatorname{HOBr}(a q) \rightarrow \mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q) + O_{2}H_{2} + 2H^{+}(a q) \) Furthermore, to balance the charge we add six electrons to the right side: \( 2\operatorname{HOBr}(a q) \rightarrow \mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q) + O_{2}H_{2} + 2H^{+}(a q) + 6e^{-} \)

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Write the balanced half-reaction for the conversion of \(\operatorname{HOBr}(a q)\) to \(\mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q)\) in acidic solution.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Balance Atoms Other Than Hydrogen and Oxygen

Balance Oxygen Atoms by Adding Water Molecules

Balance Hydrogen Atoms and Charge

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Physical Chemistry

Chemical Reactions

Nuclear Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Kinetics

Inorganic Chemistry

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.