MnO4– + SO32– + H2O → MnO2 + SO42– + OH–
How many molecules of water (H2O) are required to balance the equation?
H2O + 2 MnO4:- + 3 SO3:2- → 2 MnO2 + 3 SO4:2- + 2 OH:-
MnO4– + SO32– + H2O → MnO2 + SO42– + OH
To balance the equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Let's count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation:
On the left side:
Mn: 1
O: 4
S: 1
On the right side:
Mn: 1
O: 2
S: 1
To balance the oxygen atoms, we can see that there are 4 oxygen atoms on the left side but only 2 on the right side. We can balance the equation by adding 2 molecules of water (H2O) to the right side.
Therefore, the balanced equation will be:
MnO4– + SO32– + 2H2O → MnO2 + SO42– + 2OH–
Hence, two molecules of water (H2O) are required to balance the equation.
To balance the given equation, you need to ensure that the number of atoms on both sides of the equation are equal.
In the unbalanced equation:
MnO4– + SO32– + H2O → MnO2 + SO42– + OH–
Let's count the number of atoms on each side:
Mn: 1 on both sides
O: 4 on the left and 2 on the right
S: 1 on both sides
H: 2 on the left
OH: 0 on the right
SO4: 0 on the left
Since there is only 1 hydrogen (H) on the left side, and none on the right side, we need to balance the hydrogen atoms by adding water (H2O).
To balance the hydrogen (H) atoms:
2H2O → OH–
By adding 2 molecules of water (H2O) to the left side, we introduce 4 hydrogen (H) atoms and 2 oxygen (O) atoms into the equation.
Now, the balanced equation is:
MnO4– + SO32– + 2H2O → MnO2 + SO42– + 2OH–
Therefore, 2 molecules of water (H2O) are required to balance the equation.