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Ch.19 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 19, Problem 49a

Balance the following half-reactions. (a) (acidic) VO2+(aq) → V3+(aq)

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Key Concepts

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

Half-Reaction Method

The half-reaction method is a technique used to balance redox reactions by separating the oxidation and reduction processes. Each half-reaction is balanced for mass and charge, allowing for a clearer understanding of electron transfer. This method is particularly useful in acidic or basic solutions, where additional ions like H+ or OH- may be added to achieve balance.
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Oxidation States

Oxidation states (or numbers) indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound. They help identify which species are oxidized and reduced in a reaction. In the given half-reaction, understanding the oxidation states of vanadium in VO2+ and V3+ is crucial for determining the changes in electron count during the reaction.
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Acidic Medium

An acidic medium refers to a solution where the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) is higher than in pure water. In balancing half-reactions in acidic conditions, H+ ions and water molecules are often added to maintain charge and mass balance. Recognizing the role of the acidic environment is essential for correctly balancing the given half-reaction.
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