Balancing redox equations: reaction of Cr(III) and chlorate in basic solution.

Abstract

This file is an interactive exercise on balancing of redox reactions. The redox system consists of the Cr(III) oxidation by means of the action of chlorate anion in basic solution. In these circumstances, Cr(III) exists as the Cr(OH)3 green precipitate. After finding out the oxidation states of the species involved, the user must write the equations of the half-reactions for both processes. A counter of atoms and charges makes this task easy and four possible ways of balancing are possible. Then, the overall balanced redox reaction is obtained either by inspection or by an adequate addition of water species to both sides of the equation. The user is guided in every step throughout the balancing process.