Chapter 19, Problem 56A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the given reaction is balanced or not needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

A redox reaction is balanced if number of atoms of each element and net charge on both sides is equal.

Answer to Problem 56A

The given equation is not balanced because electrons lost by $Fe$ is not equal to gained by $A{g}^{+}$

Explanation of Solution

The given equation is:

$Fe+A{g}^{+}\to F{e}^{+2}+Ag$

Oxidation half reaction is:

$Fe\to F{e}^{+2}+2e^{-}$

Reduction half reaction is:

$A{g}^{+}+e^{-}\to Ag$

To balance the reaction, reduction half reaction is multiplied by 2 and then added to oxidation half reaction:

$Fe+2A{g}^{+}\to F{e}^{+2}+2Ag$

Conclusion

A redox reaction is balanced if number of atoms of each element and net charge on both sides is equal. The number of electrons lost is equal to number of electrons gained.