Answer to Question #114047 in Chemistry for Charles

Question

1.
Balance the equation using the ion-electron method.

LiOH(aq) +H2(g) → Li(s) + H2O(l)

Answer 1

LiOH(aq) + H₂₍g) → Li(s) + H₂O(l) (unbalanced)

Solution:

In ion electron method one reaction is divided into two reaction (half-reaction) and then they are balanced and then added together.

(Step 1) Write the unbalanced equation for the reaction in its ionic form:

Li⁺ + OH^- + H₂ → Li + H₂O

(Step 2) Separate the equation into two half-reactions and balance atoms:

oxidation: H₂ → 2H⁺

reduction: Li⁺ → Li.

(Step 3) Add electrons to one side of each half-reaction to balance the charges:

oxidation: H₂ → 2H⁺ + 2e

reduction: Li⁺ + 1e → Li.

(Step 4) Make the number of electrons in the two half-reactions equal by multiplying one or both half-reactions by appropriate coefficients:

oxidation: H₂ → 2H⁺ + 2e

reduction: 2Li⁺ + 2e → 2Li.

(Step 5) Add the two half-reactions together and balance the final equation by simplifying it (electrons on both sides must be eliminated):

2Li⁺ + 2e + H₂ → 2H⁺ + 2e + 2Li

2Li⁺ + H₂ → 2H⁺ + 2Li

Therefore, the balanced chemical equation looks like this:

2LiOH + H₂ → H₂O + 2Li

LiOH - oxidizing agent

H₂ - reducing agent