Problem #1 - Redox in Acidic Solution, Step-by-Step

Gap-fill exercise

Fill in all the gaps, then press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if an answer is giving you trouble. You can also click on the "[?]" button to get a clue. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints or clues!

Balance the following redox equation in acidic solution
H3PO2 + Cr2O72- → H3PO4 + Cr3+

Step #1 - Write the half-reactions
H3PO2 → H3PO4

Cr2O72- → Cr3+

Step #2 - Balance the elements that are NOT oxygen and hydrogen
H3PO2 → H3PO4

Cr2O72-Cr3+

Step #3 - Balance oxygen with water
H2O + H3PO2 → H3PO4

Cr2O72-Cr3+ + H2O

Step #4 - Balance hydrogen with hydrogen ions, H+
H2O + H3PO2 → H3PO4 + H+

H+ + Cr2O72-Cr3+ + H2O

Step #5 - Balance charges with electrons, e-
H2O + H3PO2 → H3PO4 + H+ + e-

e- + H+ + Cr2O72-Cr3+ + H2O

Step #6 - Balance electrons lost and gained
H2O +H3PO2H3PO4 + H+ + e-

e- + H+ + Cr2O72-Cr3+ + H2O

Step #7 - Sum the two half-reactions
H+ + H3PO2 + Cr2O72-H3PO4 + Cr3+ + H2O