Question

I need someone to check the answer to a redox problem that I may be doing incorrectly. It isn't a standard one: you have to use the common reducers/oxidizers or w/e. But here it is, the question: A solution of potassium iodide is added to an acidified solution of potassium iodate. Provide net ionic equation.

My answer: 12H+ + 10I- + 2 IO3- -->6I2 + 6 H2O

I know the charges balance, but when I was doing my half reactions, which both turned out to be reduction initially, I added electrons to balance charges....am I even allowed to do this lol?

Answer 1

when you balance by the half-reaction, one of the reduction potentials has to be flipped backwards. Otherwise, you'd end up with leftover electrons on one side (which is never allowed to happen). The half-reaction method balances each reaction first for mass and charge, then adds them back together again. We have to add electrons in order to balance the charge, so yes, you're allowed to add electrons.

Answer 2

thanks!