Balance the following equation for an oxidation-reduction reaction occurring in an acidic solution: HNO₃ + I₂ → HIO₃ + NO₂ + H₂O
The sum of the coefficients is ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Identify the oxidation states of each element. HNO₃ + I₂ → HIO₃ + NO₂ + H₂O +1 -2 +5 -2 0 0 0 0 +1 -2 0 0 +1 -2 0 0 -1 +2 0 0 0 +1 -2 -2 0 2. Identify the elements undergoing changes in oxidation state. In this case, both iodine (I) and nitrogen (N) undergo changes in oxidation state. 3. Write half-reactions for the oxidation and reduction processes. Oxidation: NO₃ → NO₂ Reduction: I₂ → H₂O 4. Balance the elements undergoing changes in oxidation state. Oxidation: NO₃ → NO₂ + 2e- Reduction: I₂ + 8H+ + 8e- → H₂O + 4H2O 5. Balance the remaining atoms using H+ and H2O. Oxidation: NO₃ + 2H+ → NO₂ + H2O Reduction: I₂ + 8H+ + 8e- → H₂O + 4H2O 6. Combine the half-reactions and simplify. NO₃ + I₂ + 10H+ → HIO₃ + NO₂ + H₂O + 4H2O 7. Check for balance of mass and charge. The sum of the coefficients is 27.

Balance the Following Equation for an Oxidation-Reduction Reaction Occurring in an Acidic