Answer:
5 Br₂ + S₂O₃²⁻ + 5 H₂O ⇒ 10 Br⁻ + 2 SO₄²⁻ + 10 H⁺
Explanation:
We will balance the redox reaction through the ion-electron method.
Step 1: Identify both half-reactions
Reduction: Br₂ ⇒ Br⁻
Oxidation: S₂O₃²⁻ ⇒ SO₄²⁻
Step 2: Perform the mass balance, adding H⁺ and H₂O where appropriate
Br₂ ⇒ 2 Br⁻
5 H₂O + S₂O₃²⁻ ⇒ 2 SO₄²⁻ + 10 H⁺
Step 3: Perform the charge balance, adding electrons where appropriate
2 e⁻ + Br₂ ⇒ 2 Br⁻
5 H₂O + S₂O₃²⁻ ⇒ 2 SO₄²⁻ + 10 H⁺ + 10 e⁻
Step 4: Make the number of electrons gained and lost equal
5 × (2 e⁻ + Br₂ ⇒ 2 Br⁻)
1 × (5 H₂O + S₂O₃²⁻ ⇒ 2 SO₄²⁻ + 10 H⁺ + 10 e⁻)
Step 5: Add both half-reactions
5 Br₂ + S₂O₃²⁻ + 5 H₂O ⇒ 10 Br⁻ + 2 SO₄²⁻ + 10 H⁺
