Chapter 20, Problem 21QAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced redox reaction should be written for the reaction between mercury and aqua regia.

Concept introduction:

The redox equation can be balanced by following a few steps:

Step1: Split the reaction into two halves; oxidation and reduction half.

Step2: The half reaction should be balanced.

Step3: Number of electrons should be made equal in both the reaction halves by multiplying with suitable coefficients.

Step4: The half reactions should be added and electrons should be cancelled to get final reaction.

Step5: General reactions can be balanced by balancing the number of atoms of each element in the molecules of both the LHS and RHS sides.