Question

Can you represent the oxidation of sulfite ion, `SO_3^(2-)`, to give sulfate ion, `SO_4^(2-)`, accompanied by the reduction of `Cu^(2+)` to copper metal?

Answer 1

`SO_3^(2-) + Cu^(2+)+ 2HO^(-) rarr SO_4^(2-) +Cu(s) + H_2O(l)`

Explanation:

When basic conditions are specified, it is normally best to balance the equations in acid, and then modify the final equations.

`"Sulfur (IV+)"` `rarr` `"Sulfur(VI+)":`

`SO_3^(2-) + H_2Orarr SO_4^(2-) +2H^(+) + 2e^(-)`

For basic conditions, add `2xxHO^-` to EACH side `(HO^(-) + H^(+)rarrH_2O)`:

`SO_3^(2-) + 2HO^(-) rarr SO_4^(2-) +H_2O + 2e^(-)`

`"Copper (II+)"` `rarr` `"Copper (0)":`

`Cu^(2+) + 2e^(-) rarr Cu`

You have asked another such question recently. Do you follow the method of doing redox equations?