[x3lifelove]

Hi, I was wondering if anybody would be willing to help me with this homework question? I don't even know where to begin.
The question is:
Balance the following redox equation.
KMnO4(aq) + H2S(aq) + H2SO4(aq) -> K2SO4(aq) + MnSO4(aq) + S(s)
I tried originally to split it up but that only further confused me, any help would be greatly appreciated. (:

[Vidya]

okay start with calculations of the Oxidation numbers of atoms and then find out which one is showing increase in oxidation number and which one decrease in oxidation number
Once it is decided you can split the equation as oxidation and reduction

[vmelkon]

Hi, I was wondering if anybody would be willing to help me with this homework question? I don't even know where to begin.
The question is:
Balance the following redox equation.
KMnO4(aq) + H2S(aq) + H2SO4(aq) -> K2SO4(aq) + MnSO4(aq) + S(s)
I tried originally to split it up but that only further confused me, any help would be greatly appreciated. (:

The equation doesn't make sense. Where does the hydrogen go? Perhaps you are missing a H2O as one of the products.
For S(s), shouldn't that be S8(s)?

[Borek]

Perhaps you are missing a H2O as one of the products.

Most likely.

For S(s), shouldn't that be S8(s)?

Doesn't matter much. If S₈ it will be just a matter of multiplying everything by eight. And elemental sulfur is often treated as just S, as it doesn't change the stoichiometry (in terms of mass).

[vmelkon]

You might want to read up on galvanic cells. They would also talk about the classic permanganate ion and Fe(2+) ion.

Permanganate needs also some acid in it. In this case it would be H2SO4. The SO4 is just a spectator ion.
Also, for KMnO4, the K ion is a spectator ion.

The oxidation equation is
MnO4(-) + 8 H(+) + 5 electrons -> Mn(2+) + 4 H2O

Then you have to figure out what is getting reduced. Write the reduction equation.
Then Balance the oxido and reducto equations.
Then put them together.
Check to see if it makes sense. Count the atoms.