Question

Complete and balance the following half-reaction in acidic solution. Be sure to include the proper phases for all species within the reaction.

S2O3 2- (aq) --> S4O6 2- (aq)

Answer 1

To balance the half-reaction S2O3 2- (aq) → S4O6 2- (aq) in acidic solution, add water and protons (H+) to the appropriate sides of the equation.

Step-by-step explanation:

To complete and balance the half-reaction S2O3 2- (aq) → S4O6 2- (aq) in acidic solution, we need to consider the oxidation states of sulfur.

In S2O3 2-, the oxidation state of sulfur is +2, while in S4O6 2-, the oxidation state of sulfur is +6.

To balance the reaction, we can add water molecules and protons (H+) to the appropriate sides of the equation:

S2O3 2- (aq) + 2H2O (l) → S4O6 2- (aq) + 4 H+ (aq)

This equation is now balanced in terms of both atoms and charge.