Question

Balance the following equation in an acidic and basic solution.

Br-(aq)+NO3<---->NO-(g)+Br2(l)

Answer 1

To balance the reaction , start by seperately writing the two half reactions oxidation and reduction.

Then balance all the other atoms except oxygen and hydrogen . Then balance the oxygen atoms by water and hydrogen by protons. Then balance the protons by OH- if basic solution.

Balance the charges by adding electrons and balance the electron gain = electron lost.

Add the two half reactions together and simplify.

So the balanced reactions are :

Acidic :

10Br^- + 2NO3 + 8H⁺ <---> 5Br2 + 2NO^- + 4H2O

Basic :

10Br^- + 2NO3 + 4H2O <---> 5Br2 + 2NO^- + 8OH^-