How to balance equations in acidic solutions?

1 Answer
Jul 2, 2018

You mean how to balance redox equations in acidic conditions...?

Explanation:

We assume that the protium ion, i.e. #H^+#, or #H_3O^+# is the oxidant....i.e. it is reduced to dihydrogen gas...

#H^+ + e^(-) rarr 1/2H_2(g)#

ELSE...

#H_3O^+ + e^(-) rarr 1/2H_2(g)+H_2O(l)#

Both #H^+#, and #H_3O^+# are conceptions, representations if you like of the acid principle in aqueous solution.