If the following redox reaction were balanced, how many electrons would be in the equation and
on which side?
H2O2 → O2
a. 1 electron on the right
b. 1 electron on the left
c. 2 electrons on the right
d. 2 electrons on the left
e. no electrons are required
In order to balance the reaction H2O2 → O2, we need to add H2O to the right side as a reactant:
H2O2 → O2 + H2O
In this reaction, the oxygen atom in H2O2 is changing from -1 oxidation state to 0 oxidation state in O2. This means that 2 electrons are being lost by the oxygen atom in H2O2.
So, the answer is:
d. 2 electrons on the left.