Question

How do you represent the oxidation of `SO_2(g)` by `"nitrous acid"` to give `"sulfuric acid"`?

Answer 1

`S(+IV)rarrS(+VI)`; `N(+III)rarrN(+II)`

Explanation:

`"Oxidation half equation:"`

`SO_2 +2H_2O rarr H_2SO_4+2H^(+) +2e^-`

`"Reduction half equation:"`

`HNO_2 +H^(+) + e^(-) rarr NO+H_2O`

`"Overall:"`

`SO_2 +2 HNO_2 rarr H_2SO_4 +2NO`