[jsmith613]

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvEJf5u0x_OXs51z2xRmCdUExgt.;_ylv=3?qid=20090908232713AAN5HyS

This question is asking how to balance the following formula using the half-reaction method.

KMnO₄(aq) + H₂SO₄(aq) + H₂O₂(l) ---> MnSO₄(aq) + K₂SO₄(aq) + H₂O(l) + O₂(g)

the answer I got using normal method was;
2KMnO₄(aq) + 3H₂SO₄(aq) + H₂O₂(l) ---> 2MnSO₄(aq) + K₂SO₄(aq) + 4H₂O(l) + 3O₂(g)

However my answer and the other guys answers are different, why is this.
Can someone also please explain how to balance this equation using the half-reaction method as I am unaware of this method (as i am studying iGCSE - but I am interested in chem so am eager to learn new things!)

[Borek]

H₂O₂ -> O₂ + 2H⁺ + 2e^-

2KMnO₄(aq) + 3H₂SO₄(aq) + H₂O₂(l) ---> 2MnSO₄(aq) + K₂SO₄(aq) + 4H₂O(l) + 3O₂(g)

Why not 2KMnO₄ + 3H₂SO₄ + 3H₂O₂ -> 2MnSO₄ + 1K₂SO₄ + 6H₂O + 4O₂?

See

http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=balancing-stoichiometry&right=half-reactions-method

[jsmith613]

according to a chem calc i came across, this equation infinite solutions so actually it was not a very good question

but thanks anyway

[Borek]

This equation has one solution. Problem is, it is not easy to find, especially using wrong methods, but it can be easily confirmed experimentally. In fact this is base of titrimetric method:

http://www.titrations.info/permanganate-titration-hydrogen-peroxide

Try to balance the equation using ON method, should work without problems. Half reaction method will probably work too. Algebraic method will not work.

[jsmith613]

This equation has one solution. Problem is, it is not easy to find, especially using wrong methods, but it can be easily confirmed experimentally. In fact this is base of titrimetric method:

http://www.titrations.info/permanganate-titration-hydrogen-peroxide

Try to balance the equation using ON method, should work without problems. Half reaction method will probably work too. Algebraic method will not work.

Ok thanks 4 your time