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Ch.20 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 20, Problem 25e

Complete and balance the following equations, and identify the oxidizing and reducing agents: MnO4-1aq2 + Br -1aq2 ¡ MnO21s2 + BrO3-1aq2 (basic solution)

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions involve the transfer of electrons between species, resulting in changes in oxidation states. In these reactions, oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction refers to the gain of electrons. Understanding these processes is crucial for identifying the oxidizing and reducing agents in a chemical equation.
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Balancing Redox Reactions

Balancing redox reactions requires ensuring that both mass and charge are conserved. This often involves separating the reaction into half-reactions for oxidation and reduction, balancing each half for atoms and charge, and then combining them. In basic solutions, hydroxide ions (OH-) may be added to balance the reaction, which is essential for achieving the correct stoichiometry.
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Identifying Oxidizing and Reducing Agents

The oxidizing agent is the species that is reduced (gains electrons) during the reaction, while the reducing agent is the species that is oxidized (loses electrons). Identifying these agents is key to understanding the dynamics of the reaction and predicting the products formed. In the given equation, recognizing the changes in oxidation states helps in pinpointing these agents.
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