In the half-reaction method, water is used to balance oxygen atoms. Why can't O 2- ions be used instead?
2006-10-07 06:36:08 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The reaction takes place in an aqueous solution. There are no O 2- ions present in the solution - the oxygen must come from the water molecules.
2006-10-07 06:48:08 · answer #1 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If oxides are soluble, like sodium oxide, then they always react to form the hydroxide, which is strongly alkaline:
Na2O + H2O ---> 2NaOH.
If the oxides are insoluble (as most are) they won't do anything at all.
Most redox reactions take place in acid solution, where the added H+ ions go to make water, and that is why you balance the equation with water on one side, and H+ ions on the other.
2006-10-11 13:29:36 · answer #2 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
O2- ions don't exist in the quantity that water does in an aqueous solution. Usually oxygen is found in the form of OH-. It is very rarely a single atom ion (O2-)
2006-10-10 13:45:39 · answer #3 · answered by MadScientist 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋