How many electrons are needed to balance the oxidation half reaction in C2O42 (aq) MnO4(aq) CO2(aq) Mn2 (aq?

Answer 1

To balance the oxidation half-reaction involving the conversion of ( \text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} ) (oxalate) to ( \text{CO}_2 ), we need to account for the change in oxidation state of carbon. Each carbon in oxalate goes from an oxidation state of +3 to +4 in carbon dioxide, resulting in a total increase of 2 electrons per oxalate ion. Since there are two carbon atoms in ( \text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} ), a total of 2 electrons are needed to balance the oxidation half-reaction.