Notes: Any number like so: _x_ is a subscript.
Any number like so: X^y is a superscript/charge. This also applies to the "+" an "-" for charges
-> denotes an arrow
Anything in brackets like this (x) or this [y] is a whole unit.
We are given the equation: NaBiO_3_ -> Bi^3+ and it goes to an AQ soln in an acid
We are to balance it
First, we find the oxidation number of Bi by adding the charges of the bonded atom like so:
1+ (3 x -2) = -5
Thus, Bi on the left has an oxidation number of -5
Notice that Bi goes from -5 to +3, thus we must add eight electrons to the right:
NaBiO_3_ -> (Bi^3+) + 8e^-
There is a charge of zero on the left, and a charge of -5 on the right [(+3) + (-8)] = -5
Thus we add 5 hydroxls (OH^-) to balance it out on the left:
NaBiO_3_ + (5OH^-) -> (Bi^3+) + 8e^-
There are now 5 hydrogen ions on the left side, thus we add 5/2 H_2_O to the left:
NaBiO_3_ + (5OH^-) -> (Bi^3+) + (8e^-) + [(5/2)H_2_O]
And thus, the above equation is the final answer. (
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