Question

Fe³⁺(aq) + NH₃OH⁺(aq) -->  N_2­O(g) + Fe²⁺(aq)

How do I balance this in acidic conditions using half reactions?

Answer 1

Ans :

Start balancing the reactions by writing the two oxidation and reduction half reactions seperately.

Now balance all other atoms except oxygen and hydrogen.

Now balance oxygen atoms by adding water molecules and hydrogen by adding protons.

Now balance the charges by adding electrons , and make electrons gain = electrons lost.

Now add the two half reactions together and simplify , to get the overall reaction as :

4Fe³⁺ + 2NH3OH⁺ = N2O + 4Fe²⁺ + H2O + 6H⁺