Chapter 19, Problem 52A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for writing $H^{+}$ in redox reactions for simplification needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Hydrogen ions in redox reaction are provided for acidic medium.

It can be done by any acid.

Answer to Problem 52A

Hydrogen ions are just written as because the anion attached with it acts as spectator ion. Therefore, it doesn’t make a difference to redox reaction whether it is written in simplified form or its actual form.

Explanation of Solution

Let’s take an example

$2KMn{O}_4+10FeS{O}_4+8H_{2}S{O}_4\to 5F{e}_2{\left(S{O}_4\right)}_3+2MnS{O}_4+K_{2}S{O}_4+8H_{2}O$

This equation can be written as:

$Mn{O}_4{}^{-}+5F{e}^{2+}+8H^{+}\to 5F{e}^{+3}+M{n}^{+2}+4H_{2}O$

Writing $H_{2}S{O}_4$ as $H^{+}$ doesn’t make a change to redox reaction.

Conclusion

Hydrogen ions are just written as because the anion attached with it acts as spectator ion. Therefore, it doesn’t make a difference to redox reaction whether it is written in simplified form or its actual form.