Chemistry 093 by Gordon Wong

Balancing Redox Reactions 2:

Learning Centre — Science The Ion-Electron Method

In the first redox reaction worksheet, we saw the oxidation number method of balancing
equations. This worksheet shows you another method.
The steps for balancing a redox reaction using the ion-electron method are:
[1] Break the equation into two half-reactions, one for the oxidation step (loss of
electrons) and one for the reduction step (gain of electrons). You will still need to use
oxidation numbers to know which is which.
[2] Obtain material balance (i.e. balance the atoms) in each half-reaction.
[a] Balance everything other than hydrogen and oxygen.
[b] Balance oxygen by adding H2O to the other side.
[c] Balance hydrogen by adding H+ to the other side. Do this even if the reaction is
occurring in basic solution.
[3] Obtain charge balance for each half-reaction by adding electrons as a
product/reactant to the more positive side.
[4] Combine the half-reactions to cancel the electrons. You may have to multiply the
equations by whole numbers to do this.
[5] If the reaction is in basic solution, you’ll need to accommodate for any H+ that
shouldn’t be there. Add equal amounts of OH− to both sides to neutralize the H+. It will
form water on that side, and leave excess OH− on the other. Cancel any water that
appears on both sides.

Example 1: Balance the following redox reaction using the ion-electron method:
NO + SO42− → NO3− + SO2
Solution: Following the steps above:
[1] Nitrogen gets oxidized, and sulphur is reduced, so the half-reactions are:
NO → NO3− SO42− → SO2
[2] We balance the atoms:
NO + 2 H2O → NO3− SO42− → SO2 + 2 H2O
NO + 2 H2O → NO3− + 4 H+ 4 H+ + SO42− → SO2 + 2 H2O
[3] We add electrons so that the charge balances:
NO + 2 H2O → NO3− + 4 H+ + 3 e− 4 H+ + SO42− + 2 e− → SO2 + 2 H2O
[4] And finally we cancel the electrons:
2 NO + 4 H2O → 2 NO3− + 8 H+ + 6 e−
4
12 H+ + 3 SO42− + 6 e− → 3 SO2 + 62 H2O
2 NO + 4 H+ + 3 SO42− → 2 NO3− + 3 SO2 + 2 H2O
© 2009 Vancouver Community College Learning Centre.
Student review only. May not be reproduced for classes.
J:\LLR\LearningCentre\Math-Sci Worksheets\Final\Chemistry\Chem093-BalancingRedoxReactions2.doc
[5] With sulphates and nitrates, this reaction is not likely to take place in basic solution,
but if it were, we would not be able to have H+ in the final equation. We would add OH−
to both sides to cancel the H+ that is there:
2 NO + 4 H+ + 3 SO42− → 2 NO3− + 3 SO2 + 2 H2O
2 NO + 4 H+ + 4 OH− + 3 SO42− → 2 NO3− + 3 SO2 + 2 H2O + 4 OH−
2 NO + 24 H2O + 3 SO42− → 2 NO3− + 3 SO2 + 2 H2O + 4 OH−
2 NO + 2 H2O + 3 SO42− → 2 NO3− + 3 SO2 + 4 OH−

EXERCISES
A. For each redox equation, determine (a) the oxidation half-reaction, (b) the reduction
half-reaction, and (c) the balanced redox reaction.
1) Fe3+ + Sn2+ → Fe2+ + Sn4+

2) Fe2+ + CℓO3− + H+ → Fe3+ + Cℓ− + H2O

3) Cu + NO3− + H+ → Cu2+ + NO + H2O

4) S2O42− + Ag2O + H2O → SO32− + Ag + H+

5) MnO4− + Cℓ− + H+ → Mn2+ + Cℓ2 + H2O

© 2009 Vancouver Community College Learning Centre.

Student review only. May not be reproduced for classes.
J:\LLR\LearningCentre\Math-Sci Worksheets\Final\Chemistry\Chem093-BalancingRedoxReactions2.doc
 6) MnO4− + S2− + H2O → MnO2 + S + OH−

7) Cr2O72− + I− → Cr3+ + I2 *acidic solution

8) MnO4− + Sn → MnO2 + Sn(OH)3− *basic solution

9) H2O2 → H2O + O2

SOLUTIONS
A. (1)a) Sn2+ → Sn4+ + 2 e− (b) Fe3+ + e− → Fe2+
(c) a + 2b: 2 Fe3+ + Sn2+ → 2 Fe2+ + Sn4+
(2)a) Fe2+ → Fe3+ + e− (b) CℓO3− + 6 H+ + 6 e− → Cℓ− + 3 H2O
(c) 6a + b: 6 Fe2+ + CℓO3− + 6 H+ → 6 Fe3+ + Cℓ− + 3 H2O
(3)a) Cu → Cu2+ + 2 e− (b) NO3− + 4 H+ + 3 e− → NO + 2 H2O
(c) 3a + 2b: 3 Cu + 2 NO3− + 8 H+ → 3 Cu2+ + 2 NO + 4 H2O
(4)a) S2O42− + 2 H2O → 2 SO32− + 4 H+ + 2 e− (b) Ag2O + 2H+ + 2 e− → 2 Ag + H2O
(c) a + b: S2O42− + Ag2O + H2O → 2 SO32− + 2 Ag + 2 H+
(5)a) 2 Cℓ− → Cℓ2 + 2 e− (b) MnO4− + 5 e− + 8 H+ → Mn2+ + 4 H2O
(c) 5a + 2b: 2 MnO4− + 10 Cℓ− + 16 H+ → 2 Mn2+ + 5 Cℓ2 + 8 H2O
(6)a) S2− → S + 2 e− (b) MnO4− + 2 H2O + 3 e− → MnO2 + 4 OH−
(c) 3a + 2b: 2 MnO4− + 3 S2− + 4 H2O → 2 MnO2 + 3 S + 8 OH−
(7)a) 2 I− → I2 + 2 e− (b) Cr2O72− + 6 e− + 14 H+ → 2 Cr3+ + 7 H2O
(c) 3a + b: Cr2O72− + 6 I− + 14 H+ → 2 Cr3+ + 3 I2 + 7 H2O
(8)a) Sn + 3 OH− → Sn(OH)3− + 2 e− (b) MnO4− + 2 H2O + 3 e− → MnO2 + 4 OH−
(c) 3a + 2b: 2 MnO4− + 3 Sn + OH− + 4 H2O → 2 MnO2 + 3 Sn(OH)3−
(9)a) H2O2 → O2 + 2 H+ + 2 e− (b) H2O2 + 2 H+ + 2 e− → 2 H2O
(c) a + b: 2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2
© 2009 Vancouver Community College Learning Centre.
Student review only. May not be reproduced for classes.
J:\LLR\LearningCentre\Math-Sci Worksheets\Final\Chemistry\Chem093-BalancingRedoxReactions2.doc
 Name: _________________________
Balancing Redox Reactions
Part A: Balance the following equations using Oxidation Numbers. Underline the oxidizing agent and circle the
reducing agent

1. H2S + HNO3  S8 + NO + H2O

2. H2SO4 + HBr  SO2 + Br2 + H2O

3. H2SO4 + HI  H2S + I2 + H2O

4. N 2O + H2  H2O + NH3

5. K+ KNO3  N2 + K 2O

6. Fe2O3 + S Fe + SO2

7. NH3 + O2  NO + H2O

8. N2H4 + H2O2  HNO3 + H2O Hint: N is in the +2 state

9. NO2 + H2O  HNO3 + NO

10. MnO2 + HBr  Br2 + MnBr2 + H2O

11. HClO4 + ClO2 + H2O  HClO3

12. PbO2 + Sb + NaOH  PbO + NaSbO2 + H2O

13. KMnO4 + HCl  MnCl2 + Cl2 + KCl + H2O

14. P4 + H2O + HNO3  H3PO4 + NO

 Name: _________________________
Part B: Balance the following equations using the Ion-Electron Method for reactions occuring in acidic
solution:
- 2+
15. Cu + NO3  Cu + NO

- 2+
16. MnO4 + H2S  Mn + S

-
17. As2O3 + NO3  H3AsO4 + N2O3

- 2+ +
18. Zn + NO3  Zn + NH4

-
19. NO2  NO3 + NO

3+ 2-
20. H2O2 + Cr  Cr2O7

2- - 3+ -
21. Cr2O7 + I  Cr + I3

- -
22. ClO3 + Cl  Cl2 + ClO2

- 2- 2+
23. MnO4 + C2O4  CO2 + Mn

2- - 3+
24. Cr2O7 + Cl  Cr + Cl2
 Name: _________________________
Part C: Balance the following equations using the Ion-Electron Method for reactions occurring in basic
solution:
- -
25. Al + OH  AlO2 + H2 (Drano)

2+ 2- 2-
26. Cu(NH3)4 + S2O4  SO3 + Cu + NH3

- -
27. NO2  NO3 + NO2

- -
28. Cl2  ClO3 + Cl

- 2-
29. MnO4 + C2O4  CO2 + MnO2

- 2-
30. Zn + NO3  Zn(OH)4 + NH3

31. ClO2  ClO2 - + ClO3 –

32. Br2 (l)  BrO3-(aq) + Br- (aq)

33. Pb(OH)42- (aq) + ClO- (aq)  PbO2 (s) + Cl- (aq)

34. H2O2 (aq) + Cl2O7 (aq)  ClO2- (aq) + O2 (g)

35. H2O2 (aq) + ClO2 (aq)  ClO2- (aq) + O2 (g)

 ANSWERS
Name: _________________________
Balancing Redox Reactions
Part A: Balance the following equations using Oxidation Numbers. Underline the oxidizing agent and circle the
reducing agent

1. 24 H2S + 16 HNO3  3 S8 + 16 NO + 32 H2O

2. H2SO4 + 2 HBr  SO2 + 2 Br2 + H2O

3. H2SO4 + 8 HI  H2S + 4 I2 + 4 H2O

4. N2O + 4 H2  H2O + 2 NH3

5. 10 K + 2 KNO3  N2 + 6 K2 O

6. 2 Fe2O3 + 3 S 4 Fe + 3 SO2

7. 4 NH3 + 5 O2  4 NO + 6 H2O

8. N2H4 + 7 H2O2  2 HNO3 + 8 H2O

9. 3 NO2 + H2O  2 HNO3 + NO

10. MnO2 + 4 HBr  Br2 + MnBr2 + 2 H2O

11. HClO4 + 2 ClO2 + H2O  3 HClO3

12. 3 PbO2 + 2 Sb + 2 NaOH  3 PbO + 2 NaSbO2 + H2O

13. 2 KMnO4 + 16 HCl  2 MnCl2 + 5 Cl2 + 2 KCl + 8 H2O

14. 3 P4 + 20 H2O + 8 HNO3  12 H3PO4 + 20 NO

 ANSWERS
Name: _________________________
Part B: Balance the following equations using the Ion-Electron Method for reactions occurring in acidic
solution:

15. 3 Cu + 2 NO3- + 8 H+ 3 Cu3+ + 2 NO + 4 H2O

16. 2 MnO4- + 5 H2S + 6 H+  2 Mn2+ + 5 S + 8 H2O

17. As2O3 + 2 NO3- + 2 H2O + 2 H+  2 H3AsO4 + 2 N2O3

18. 5 Zn + 2 NO3- + 20 H+  5 Zn2+ + 2 NH4+ + 6 H2O

19. 3 NO2 + H2O  2 NO3- + NO + 2 H+

20. 2 Cr3+ + 3 H2O2 + H2O  Cr2O72- + 8 H+

21. 9 I- + Cr2O72- + 14 H+  3 I3- + 2 Cr3+ + 7 H2O

22. 2 ClO3- + 2 Cl- + 4 H+  2 ClO2 + Cl2 + 2 H2O

23. 2 MnO4- + 5 C2O42- + 16 H+  2 Mn2+ + 10 CO2 + 8 H2O

24. Cr2O72- + 6 Cl- + 14 H+  2 Cr3+ + 3 Cl2 + 7 H2O

Part C: Balance the following equations using the Ion-Electron Method for reactions occurring in basic
solution:

25. 2 Al + 2 OH- + 2 H2O2 AlO2- + 3 H2

26. Cu(NH3)42+ + S2O42- + 4 OH- Cu + 4 NH3 + 2 SO32- + 2 H2O

27. 2 NO2 + 2 OH- NO3- + NO2- + H2O

28. 6 Cl2 + 12 OH- 2 ClO3- + 10 Cl- + 6 H2O

29. 2 MnO4- + 3 C2O42- + 4 H2O  2 MnO2 + 6 CO2 + 8 OH-

30. 4 Zn + NO3- + 7 OH- + 6 H2O  4 Zn(OH)42- + NH3

31. ClO2 + 2 OH-  ClO3- + ClO2- + H2O

32. 6 Br2 + 12 OH-  2 BrO3- + 6 H2O + 10 Br-

33. Pb(OH)42- + ClO-  PbO2 + Cl- + H2O + 2 OH-

34. 6 H2O2 + Cl2O7 + 2 OH-  6 O2 + 2 ClO2- + 7 H2O

35. H2O2 + 2 ClO2 + 2 OH-  O2 + 2 ClO2- + 2 H2O

 Name: _______________________________
Electrochemical Cells Worksheet
1. Calculate the standard cell potential produced by a galvanic cell consisting of a nickel electrode in contact
with a solution of Ni2+ ions and a silver electrode in contact with a solution of Ag+ ions. Which is anode and
which is the cathode?

2. What is the voltage produced by a galvanic ell consisting of an aluminum electrode in contact with a solution
of Al3+ ions and an iron electrode in contact with a solution of Fe2+ ions. Which is anode and which is the
cathode?

3. Calculate the standard cell potential produced by a galvanic cell consisting of a sodium electrode in contact
with a solution of Na+ ions and a copper electrode in contact with a solution of Cu2+ ions. Which is anode and
which is the cathode?

4. What is the voltage produced by a voltaic cell consisting of a calcium electrode in contact with a solution of
Cu2+ ions. Which is anode and which is the cathode?

5. An electrochemical cell is constructed using electrodes based on the following half reactions:
Pb2+ (aq) + 2e-  Pb(s) Au3+(aq) +3e-  Au(s)
a) Which is the anode and which is the cathode in this cell?

b) What is the standard cell potential?

6. Calculate the standard cell potential produced by a voltaic cell consisting of a nickel electrode in contact with
a solution of Ni2+ ions and a copper electrode in contact with a solution of Cu2+ ions . Which is anode and
which is the cathode?
 Name: _______________________________
7. A voltaic cell is constructed using electrodes based on the following half reactions:
Mg2+(aq) + 2e-  Mg(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2e-  Cu(s)
a) Which is the anode and which is the cathode in this cell?

b) What is the standard cell potential?

8. What is the voltage produced by a voltaic cell consisting of a lead electrode in contact with a solution of Pb2+
ions and an iron electrode in contact with a solution of Fe2+? Which is anode and which is the cathode?

9. What is the voltage produced by a voltaic cell consisting of a zinc electrode in contact with a solution of Zn2+
ions and a silver electrode in contact with a solution of Ag+ ions? Which is anode and which is the cathode?

10. Calculate the standard cell potential produced by a voltaic cell consisting of a gold electrode in contact with a
solution of Au3+ ions and a silver electrode in contact with a solution of Ag+ ions. Which is the anode and
which is the cathode?

11. Use half-reaction potentials to predict whether the following reactions are spontaneous or non-spontaneous
in aqueous solutions.
a) Ca2+(aq) + 2 I-(aq)  Ca(s) + I2(aq) d) 2 H+(aq) + 2 Br-(aq)  H2(g) + Br2(aq)

b) 2 H2S(g) + O2(g)  2 H2O(l) + 2 S(s) e) Ce4+(aq) + Fe2+(aq)  Ce3+(aq) + Fe3+(aq)

c) SO2(g) + MnO2(s)  Mn2+(aq) + SO42-(aq) f) Cr2+(aq) + Cu2+(aq)  Cr3+(aq) + Cu+(aq)

 Electrochemical Cells Worksheet
1. Calculate the standard cell potential produced by a galvanic cell consisting of a nickel electrode in contact
with a solution of Ni2+ ions and a silver electrode in contact with a solution of Ag+ ions. Which is anode and
which is the cathode?
Ni2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Ni(s) E° = -0.26 V (must be flipped) Ag+(aq) + e- ⇌ Ag(s) E° = 0.80 V

ANODE: Ni(s) ⇌ Ni2+(aq) + 2e- E° = 0.26 V

CATHODE: Ag +
(aq) + e ⇌ Ag(s)
-
E° = 0.80 V
E° = 1.06 V

2. What is the voltage produced by a galvanic ell consisting of an aluminum electrode in contact with a solution
of Al3+ ions and an iron electrode in contact with a solution of Fe2+ ions. Which is anode and which is the
cathode?
Al3+(aq) + 3e- ⇌ Al(s) E° = -1.66 V (must be flipped) Fe2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Fe(s) E° = -0.44 V

ANODE: Al(s) ⇌ Al3+(aq) + 3e- E° = 1.66 V

CATHODE: Fe 2+
(aq) + 2e ⇌ Fe(s)
-
E° = -0.44 V
E° = 1.22 V

3. Calculate the standard cell potential produced by a galvanic cell consisting of a sodium electrode in contact
with a solution of Na+ ions and a copper electrode in contact with a solution of Cu2+ ions. Which is anode and
which is the cathode?
Na+(aq) + e- ⇌ Na(s) E° = -2.71 V (must be flipped) Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Cu(s) E° = 0.34 V

ANODE: Na(s) ⇌ Na+(aq) + e- E° = 2.71 V

CATHODE: Cu 2+
(aq) + 2e ⇌ Cu(s)
-
E° = 0.34 V
E° = 3.05 V

4. What is the voltage produced by a voltaic cell consisting of a calcium electrode in contact with a solution of
Cu2+ ions. Which is anode and which is the cathode?
Ca2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Ca(s) E° = -2.87 V (must be flipped) Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Cu(s) E° = 0.34 V

ANODE: Ca(s) ⇌ Ca+(aq) + e- E° = 2.87 V

CATHODE: Cu 2+
(aq) + 2e ⇌ Cu(s)
-
E° = 0.34 V
E° = 3.21 V

5. An electrochemical cell is constructed using electrodes based on the following half reactions:
Pb2+ (aq) + 2e-  Pb(s) Au3+(aq) +3e-  Au(s)
a) Which is the anode and which is the cathode in this cell?
ANODE: Pb CATHODE: Au

b) What is the standard cell potential?

ANODE: Pb(s) ⇌ Pb2+(aq) + 2e- E° = 0.13 V
CATHODE: Au 3+
(aq) + 3e ⇌ Au(s)
-
E° = 1.50 V
E° = 1.63 V
6. Calculate the standard cell potential produced by a voltaic cell consisting of a nickel electrode in contact with
a solution of Ni2+ ions and a copper electrode in contact with a solution of Cu2+ ions . Which is anode and
which is the cathode?
Ni2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Ni(s) E° = -0.26 V (must be flipped) Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Cu(s) E° = 0.34 V

ANODE: Ni(s) ⇌ Ni2+(aq) + 2e- E° = 0.26 V

CATHODE: Cu 2+
(aq) + 2e ⇌ Cu(s)
-
E° = 0.34 V
E° = 0.60 V

7. A voltaic cell is constructed using electrodes based on the following half reactions:
Mg2+(aq) + 2e-  Mg(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2e-  Cu(s)
a) Which is the anode and which is the cathode in this cell?
ANODE: Mg CATHODE: Cu

b) What is the standard cell potential?

Mg 2+
(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Mg(s) E° = -2.37 V (must be flipped) Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Cu(s) E° = 0.34 V

ANODE: Mg(s) ⇌ Mg2+(aq) + 2e- E° = 2.37 V

CATHODE: Cu 2+
(aq) + 2e ⇌ Cu(s)
-
E° = 0.34 V
E° = 2.71 V

8. What is the voltage produced by a voltaic cell consisting of a lead electrode in contact with a solution of Pb2+
ions and an iron electrode in contact with a solution of Fe2+? Which is anode and which is the cathode?
Pb2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Pb(s) E° = -0.13 V Fe2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Fe(s) E° = -0.44 V (must be flipped)

ANODE: Fe(s) ⇌ Fe2+(aq) + 2e- E° = 0.44 V

CATHODE: Pb 2+
(aq) + 2e ⇌ Pb(s)
-
E° = -0.13 V
E° = 0.31 V

9. What is the voltage produced by a voltaic cell consisting of a zinc electrode in contact with a solution of Zn2+
ions and a silver electrode in contact with a solution of Ag+ ions? Which is anode and which is the cathode?
Zn2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Zn(s) E° = -0.76 V (must be flipped) Ag+(aq) + e- ⇌ Ag(s) E° = 0.80 V

ANODE: Zn(s) ⇌ Zn2+(aq) + 2e- E° = 0.76 V

CATHODE: Ag +
(aq) + e ⇌ Ag(s)
-
E° = 0.80 V
E° = 1.56 V

10. Calculate the standard cell potential produced by a voltaic cell consisting of a gold electrode in contact with a
solution of Au3+ ions and a silver electrode in contact with a solution of Ag+ ions. Which is the anode and
which is the cathode?
Au3+(aq) + 3e- ⇌ Au(s) E° = 1.50 V Ag+(aq) + e- ⇌ Ag(s) E° = 0.80 V (must be flipped)

ANODE: Ag(s) ⇌ Ag+(aq) + e- E° = -0.80 V

CATHODE: Au 3+
(aq) + 3e ⇌ Au(s)
-
E° = 1.50 V
E° = 0.70 V
11. Use half-reaction potentials to predict whether the following reactions are spontaneous or non-spontaneous
in aqueous solutions.
a) Ca2+(aq) + 2 I-(aq)  Ca(s) + I2(aq)
ANODE: 2 I-(aq ⇌ I2(aq) + 2e- E° = 0.54 V
CATHODE: Ca 2+
(aq) + 2e ⇌ Ca(s)
E° = -2.87 V -

E° = -2.33 V
E° is negative, therefore the cell is non-spontaneous.

b) 2 H2S(g) + O2(g)  2 H2O(l) + 2 S(s)

ANODE: H2S(g) ⇌ 2 S(s) + 2H+(aq) + 2e- E° = -0.14 V
CATHODE: O2(g) + 4H +
(aq) + 4e ⇌ 2 H2O(l)
-
E° = 1.23 V
E° = 1.09 V
E° is positive, therefore the cell is spontaneous.

c) SO2(g) + MnO2(s)  Mn2+(aq) + SO42-(aq)

ANODE: SO2(g) + 2 H2O(l)⇌ SO42-(aq) + 4H+(aq) + 2e- E° = -0.18 V
CATHODE: MnO2(s) + 4H+(aq) + 2e ⇌ Mn
- 2+
(aq) + 2 H2O(l) E° = 1.22 V
E° = 1.04 V
E° is positive, therefore the cell is spontaneous.

d) 2 H+(aq) + 2 Br-(aq)  H2(g) + Br2(aq)

ANODE: 2 Br-(aq) ⇌ Br2(l) + 2e- E° = -1.07 V
CATHODE: 2H +
(aq) + 2e ⇌ H2(g)
-
E° = 0.00 V
E° = -1.07 V
E° is negative, therefore the cell is non-spontaneous.

e) Ce4+(aq) + Fe2+(aq)  Ce3+(aq) + Fe3+(aq)

ANODE: Fe2+(aq) ⇌ Fe3+(aq)+ e- E° = -0.77 V
CATHODE: Ce 4+
(aq) + e ⇌ Ce
-
E° = 1.61 V 3+
(aq)
E° = -2.38 V
E° is negative, therefore the cell is non-spontaneous.

f) Cr2+(aq) + Cu2+(aq)  Cr3+(aq) + Cu+(aq)

ANODE: Cr2+(aq) ⇌ Cr3+(aq)+ e- E° = 0.41 V
CATHODE: Cu 2+
(aq) + e ⇌ Cu
-
E° = 0.15 V+
(aq)
E° = 0.56 V
E° is positive, therefore the cell is spontaneous.