In: Chemistry
Balance the following question in basic medium: MnO4^- (aq) +BrO3^-(aq) > MnO2 (s) + BrO4^- (aq)
The unbalanced reaction is
The oxidation number of Mn decreases from +7 to +4. The decrease in the oxidation number of Mn is 3.
The oxidation number of Br increases from +5 to +7. The decrease in the oxidation number of Br is 2.
Multiply Mn species with coefficient 2 and Br species with coefficient 3.
Balance O atoms by adding one water molecule to products side
Balance H atoms by adding 2 protons to reactants side.
Since the reaction occurs in basic medium, add 2 hydroxide ions on both sides.
On reactants side, 2 protons combine with 2 hydroxide ions to form 2 water molecules.
One water molecule cancels out on both sides.
This is balanced chemical equation in basic medium.