Write balance half ionic equation when aluminum oxide is decomposed to aluminum and oxygen.
Al^3+ + 3e ==> Al
2 O^2- ==> O2 + 4e
To write the balanced half-ionic equation for the decomposition of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) into aluminum and oxygen, follow these steps:
Step 1: Write the chemical formula for aluminum oxide:
Al2O3
Step 2: Identify the elements present on each side of the equation. In this case, we have aluminum (Al) and oxygen (O) on both sides.
Step 3: Determine the oxidation state (charge) of each element. Aluminum typically has a +3 oxidation state (Al3+) and oxygen usually has a -2 oxidation state (O2-).
Step 4: Since there are two aluminum atoms on the reactant side and only one aluminum atom on the product side, we need to balance the aluminum atoms by multiplying the product side by 2:
2Al + O2 → 2Al + O2
Step 5: Balance the oxygen atoms. There are three oxygen atoms on the reactant side (in the Al2O3 molecule) and only one on the product side (in the O2 molecule). To balance the oxygen atoms, add a coefficient of 3/2 to the product containing oxygen:
2Al + O2 → 2Al + (3/2)O2
Step 6: Finally, balance the charges on each side of the equation. Since the aluminum atoms have a +3 charge on both sides and the oxygen atoms have a -2 charge, there is no need to adjust the charges.
The balanced half-ionic equation for the decomposition of aluminum oxide to aluminum and oxygen is:
2Al + (3/2)O2 → 2Al + (3/2)O2