[Help req.] Balancing redox reaction equations

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Noff
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[Help req.] Balancing redox reaction equations

Post by Noff »

The online tool couldn't do it so if anyone can help with balancing this equation, and provide the two half-reaction equations...

Code: Select all

CH2O + NO3{-} = CO2 + NH4{+}

Code: Select all

NH4{+} + O2 = NO3{-} + H2O
... thanks.
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peter
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Re: [Help req.] Balancing redox reaction equations

Post by peter »

Well you need to add the environment and water to balance those:

Code: Select all

CH2O + NO3{-} = CO2 + NH4{+}

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2 CH2O + NO3{-} + 2 H{+} = 2 CO2 + NH4{+} + H2O
Source:
http://www.webqc.org/balance.php?reacti ... B%7D%2BH2O

Code: Select all

NH4{+} + O2 = NO3{-} + H2O

Code: Select all

 NH4{+} + 2 O2 = NO3{-} + H2O + 2 H{+}
Source:
http://www.webqc.org/balance.php?reacti ... H%7B%2B%7D

Hope this helps,
~peter
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Noff
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Post by Noff »

Is there no way to balance the original equations without the additions?

Thanks by the way.
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Sam
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Post by Sam »

Noff wrote:Is there no way to balance the original equations without the additions?

Thanks by the way.
Yes, that is absolutely impossible.
A simple poof is to look at charges: they have different sign on both sides in original equations. Therefore whatever coefficients you choose charge will not be balanced!
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Noff
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Post by Noff »

Once again, thank you.
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