Language of Chemistry I PDF

Logic of Inorganic Reactions 1
SECTION - I
VALENCY/OXIDATION NUMBER/BALANCING EQUATIONS
Modern Definition of Valency
Valency is the power of an atom of an element to combine with other atoms measured
by the number of electrons which an atom or radical will lose, gain or share to form a chemical
compound.
Types of Valences:
(i)Electrovalency( shown in ionic compounds eg. NaCl, K2SO4 etc)
(ii)Covalency (shown in covalent compounds eg SO2, NH3, H2SO4 etc)
Electrovalency
Radicals:
Radical is an atom or a group of atoms which form an ion (positive or negative) by loss
or gain of electrons. It is part of an ionic compound. Two radicals form a compound.
Types of Radicals:
(i)Basic Radical: This forms the +ve ion or cation part of the compound. Usually
metals e.g Na+, K+, Ca2+, Al3+, Ag+, Hg2+, Fe3+ etc. (exception: NH4+, H+ ). This part comes
from a base.
(ii)Acid Radical: This forms the –ve ion or anion part of the compound. Usually it is
made up of nonmetals. Some acid radicals contain both metal and nonmetal atoms.
(i)monoatomic acid radical: Cl–, Br–, S2-, O2-, N3-, P3-, H– etc
(ii)Compound acid radical : SO42-, PO43-, CO32-, SO32-, OH–, NO2–, NO3–
etc. (exceptions: MnO4–, CrO42-, AlO2– etc which contain both metal and non-metal)
Charge of Basic Radical = + valency of the radical,
Charge of Acid Radical = - velency of the radical
Task: Write the ionic representations of the following radicals: Al, Fe(ous), Cu(ic), Sn(ous),
NH4, Br, O, SO4, NO2, MnO4, Cr2O7, C, N, PO4
Definition of Electrovalency:
Electrovalency is the number of electrons lost or gained (not shared)by a radical. The
valency tables(table 1 and 2) given later are electrovalencies.
IMPORTANT:
In fact all the radicals listed in table 1 under basic radicals are positive ions which
are formed by the loss of electron(s). Likewise all the radicals listed in table 2 under acid
radicals are negative ions which are formed by the gain of electrons. The basic and acid
radicals are never to be considered as neutral species. Na is a metal which is neutral.
But Na as a radical is present in a compound like NaCl. Here Na is not neutral although we
conventionally write as Na. Actually it is Na+. Similarly iron(Fe) is a metal which is neutral.
But Fe as a radical is present in compounds in two forms i.e ferrous(eg. ferrous sulphate)
in which it remains as Fe++ or Fe2+ ions and the other ferric( e.g ferric sulphate) in which
it remains as Fe+++ or Fe3+ ions. Similarly chlorine as a gas is neutral and has formula Cl2.
But Cl as a radical(chloride) present in any compound like NaCl is actually not Cl, instead
it is Cl– (a -ve ion).
Conclusion: All basic radicals form +ve ions and all acid radical form -ve ions. The
magnitude of charge is equal to the valency of the radical.
2 Concepts in Chemistry
Covalency :
The number of electrons which an atom shares in forming a covalent bond with other
atoms in a molecule or ion is called the covalency of the atom. There is nothing called
covalency of a group of atoms(radical) like that we learnt in electrovalency(sulfate, carbonate
etc.). Covalency is determined for an atom in a covalent molecule or ion. This type of
valencies are found in binary covalent compounds like PCl5, NH3, CO2 etc. and covalent ions
like SO42-, NO3- etc. The details on covalency will be discussed later.
In compound like aluminium sulphate there are two types of valencies- electrovalency between
Al3+ and SO42- and covalency within S and O atoms in forming SO42-. Similarly in compound
like Na2CO3 the valency of Na and CO3 are 1+ and 2- respectively while in CO32- the
valency of C is 4 as it is sharing four of its elelctrons with the three oxygen atoms. Note that
each covalent bond is made up of two electrons contributed one each by the the two linking
atoms.
2- O
+
Na2CO 3 Na + CO 3 ; C (covalency of C=4)
electrovalency O O
Note that both electrovalency and covalency are expressed by a single term called
Oxidation Number(ON) or Oxidation State(OS). The only difference between valency
and ON is that there is a sign in ON(+ve and -ve) while there no sign in valency. These things
will be made more clear in later sections.
CHEMICAL FORMULAE
Molecular Formula:
A molecular formula is a concise way of expressing information about the atoms that
constitute a particular chemical compound. It identifies each type of element by its chemical
symbol and identifies the number of atoms of such element to be found in each individual
molecule of the compound. The number of atoms(if greater than one) is indicated as a
subscript. Molecular formula is valid for covalent molecular substances like CO2, NH3, H2SO4,
N2O5 etc. which exist in the form of discrete molecules.
Empirical Formula:
Empirical formula of a compound is a simple expression of the relative number of
each type of atom or ratio of the atoms of different elements present in it. Empirical formula
is valid for non-molecular substances which remain as network solids. All ionic compounds
like NaCl, CaSO4, KNO3 etc. and a few covalent network solids like SiO2 fall into this
category of non-molecular substances. In any ionic compound, say for example NaCl, there
is no individual NaCl molecule. Na+ and Cl- ions are arranged alternately in a repeated manner
in three dimension to form a gigantic network. In such cases molecular formula cannot be
known rather their empirical formula which gives a simple ratio of the elements present in
the compound can be known.
Crossover Rule:
While writing chemical formula of an ionic compound, valency of basic and acid
radicals are crisscrossed. In other words the valency of basic radical becomes the subscript
of acid radical and vice versa. The following examples will suffice.
3 2
Al (SO 4) Al2(SO 4)3
2 2
Zn (CO 3) ZnCO 3
Note that parenthesis is used for a compound radical which contains more than one
element such as CO3, SO4 etc. only when there is any subscript associated with it. In the
first example, parenthesis is used for SO4 but not in the second example for CO3. For
monoatomic radicals containing one element such as Al, Cl, O etc parenthesis is not used even
if there is a coefficient [e.g. AlCl3 and not Al(Cl)3]
Question arises why does this crisscrossing of valencies are done? This is done to
equalise the total positive and negative charge as the molecule is neutral i.e net charge of the
molecule should be zero.
2-
SO 4
3+
Al
2-
SO 4
Al
3+
2-
3 2
SO 4
Al (SO4) Al2(SO4)3
The hollows(depressions) in the above picture of the basic radical is the site from which electrons
have been lost and the mount(bulging out) portions in the acid radical are the sites at which
electron have been accepted. There must be a complete matching between the hollows with
the mounts.
In aluminium sulphate, there are two Al3+ ions, so the total +ve charge is 2 X (+3) = +6; and
that is why there are three SO42- ions, so that the total -ve charge is 3 X (-2) = -6. In zinc
carbonate, one Zn2+ ion has +2 charge and one CO32- ion has -2 charge and thus the charge
balance occurs. While writing formula for such compounds in which the valencies of acid and
basic radicals are same or are simple multiples of each other, then the valencies are simplified.
In zinc carbonate the valency 2 for each radical get cancelled while writing the formula. In
cupric ferrocyanide, the valencies get simplified by dividing with a factor 2. Hence to conclude,
empirical formula gives the simplest whole number ratio of basic and acid radicals.
4 2
2 2 4
Cu [Fe(CN)6] Cu [Fe(CN)6] Cu2 [Fe(CN)6]
IMPORTANT: In ionic compounds the formula we talk of are empirical formula not molecular
formula.
VALENCY TABLES
AND
FORMULA WRITING TIPS
The formula writing is the most vital part in the study of chemical sciences. Unless
and until you write formula correctly it is not worthwhile to proceed further. So practise
adequately to master over it. Students often neglect this part of chemistry and become
permanently weak in the subject. You should not try to cram the valencies of different basic
and acid parts(radicals) given in the tables below rather just read them and practise writing
formulae of compounds for a large number of times. Check them yourself and know your
mistakes. Within a few days of regular practice and self check, these will automatically be
stored in your memory. No special effort will be necessary for the purpose.
BASIC RADICALS (TABLE-I)
Valency=1 Valency=2 Valency=3 Valency=4 Valency=5

sodium(Na) magnesium aluminium(Al) stannic arsenic(As)
potassium(K) (Mg) chromic (Sn) antimonic
mercurous(Hg)* barium(Ba) (Cr) plumbic (Sb)
cuprous(Cu) zinc(Zn) antimonous (Pb) vanadium(V)
ammonium(NH4) cupric(Cu) (Sb) platinum
aurous(Au) mercuric(Hg) auric(Au) (Pt)
silver(Ag) cobaltous arsenous(As) titanium
hydrogen(H) (Co) cobaltic(Co) (Ti)
lithium(Li) nickel(Ni) bismuth(Bi)
rubidium(Rb) lead(Plumbous) ferric(Fe)
cesium(Cs) (Pb)
thallium(Tl)(ous) ferrous(Fe) manganic
antimonyl(SbO) srontium(Sr) (Mn)
bismuthyl(BiO) stannous(Sn) scandium(Sc)
chromous(Cr) thallium(Tl)(ic)
manganous
(Mn)
berryllium(Be)
cadmium(Cd)
calcium(Ca)
palladium(Pd)
platinum(Pt)
* Mercurous- Hg22+
ACID RADICALS(TABLE-II)
Valency = 1 Valency = 2 Valency = 3 Valency = 4
fluoride(F) carbonate(CO3) nitride(N) carbide(C)
chloride(Cl) sulphate(SO4) phosphate or ferrocyanide
bromide(Br) oxide(O) orthophosphate [Fe(CN)6]
iodide(I) sulphite(SO3) (PO4)
nitrate(NO3) sulphide(S) ferricyanide dioxide(O2)
nitrite(NO2) thiosulphate(S2O3) [Fe(CN)6] pyrophosphate
bicarbonate or manganate(MnO4) borate or (P2O7)
or hydrogen chromate(CrO4) orthoborate
carbonate(HCO3) dichromate(Cr2O7) (BO3)
bisulphite or oxalate(C2O4) oxychloride(OCl)
hydorgen sulphite(HSO3) zincate(ZnO2) phospide(P)
hypochlorite(OCl or ClO) stannite(SnO2) arsenite(AsO3)
permanganate(MnO4) stannate(SnO3) arsenate(AsO4)
chlorite(ClO2) plumbite(PbO2) cobaltinitrite
bisulphate or plumbate(PbO3) [Co(NO2)6]
hydorgen sulphate(HSO4) berrylate(BeO2)
chlorate(ClO3) peroxide(O2)
bromate(BrO3) tetrathionate(S4O6)
iodate(IO3) hydorgen phosphite
meta aluminate (HPO3)
(AlO2) peroxydisulphate
superoxide(O2) or persulphate(S2O8)
hypophosphite(H2PO2) carbide(C2)
perchlorate(ClO4) hydrogen phosphate
perbromate(BrO4) (HPO4)
periodate(IO4) molybdate(MoO4)
hydride(H) dihydrogen pyroantimonate
cyanide(CN) (H2Sb2O7)
isocyanide(NC) silicate or metasilicate
cyanate(OCN) (SiO3)
thiocyanate(SCN) tungstate(WO4)
isocyanate(NCO) titanate(TiO3)
isothiocyanate(NCS) tetraborate(B4O7)
acetate(CH3COO) nitroprusside[Fe(CN)5NO]
hydroxide(OH)
dihydrogen phosphate
(H2PO4)
metaphosphate(PO3)
chromite(CrO2)
metaborate(BO2)
vanadate(VO3)
azide(N3)
bisulphide(HS)
argentocynide[Ag(CN)2]
antimonite(SbO2)
antimonate(SbO3)
bismuthate(BiO3)
perrhenate(ReO4)
ferrite(FeO2)
SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:(SAQ)

While reading the text you will find Self Assessment Question(SAQ) very frequenty.
You are advised not to skip over the SAQs. SAQs are meant for giving better understanding
and build up a good foundation on the particular aspect discussed. So answer SAQs at
each step before proceeding further, check with the correct answer(response) given at the
end. Rectify your mistakes if any and then proceed further.
SAQ 1: Write down the formula of the following:
(i)magnesium chloride, (ii)sodium sulphate, (iii)calcium nitrate, (iv)ferric sulphide, (v)cupric
oxide, (vi)potassium sulphite, (vii)sulphuric acid, (viii)aluminium phosphate, (ix)barium
peroxide, (x)ammonium cyanide
SAQ 2: Write the formula of zinc carbonate, cuprous sulphide, ammonium sulphate,
potassium oxide, mercuric sulphite, ferrous sulphide, sodium carbonate, calcium
nitrite, stannous chloride, nitric acid
SAQ 3: Write the name of the following (NH4)3PO4, FeCl3, K2SO3, Mg3N2, Na2O2,
Hg2CO3, AlP, Ca(HCO3)2, HgS, H3PO4
SAQ 4: Write the formula of the following: Practise each set at different time and
check. your mistakes youself.
Set-I: calcium acetate, potassium manganate, magnesium hypochlorite, ferric sulphate,
mercuric nitrate, ammonium bicarbonate, cuprous sulphide, aluminium bromide, zinc sulphite,
nitrous acid,
Set-II: sodium chromate, magnesium chloride, potassium phosphate, calcium phosphide,
stannous sulphide, plumbous(lead)carbonate, ferrous nitrite, mercurous hydrogen carbonate,
ammonium chlorate, hydrobromic acid
Set-III: sodium phosphate, calcium sulphate, potassium dichromate, magnesium chlorite,
stannic chloride, aluminium carbide, silver nitrite, cobalt(ous) sulphide, ferric sulphite,
calcium manganate
Set-IV: magnesium bicarbonate, sodium cyanide, ferrous sulphate, chromic hydroxide,
zinc thiosulphate, potassium ferrocyanide, ammonium dichromate, arsenous nitrate,
cupric(copper)bicarbonate, hypochlorous acid
Set-V: strontium nitrate, potassium sulphite, cupric ferrocyanide, aluminium phosphide,
lead(plumbous) acetate, cuprous carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, chromic oxide, magnesium
perchlorate, phosphoric acid(orthophosphoric acid)
Set-VI: potassium hydrogen phosphite, sodium thiosulphate, ferrous phosphate, calcium
ferricyanide, stannous oxide, plumbic oxide(lead dioxide), mercuric dichromate, calcium
carbide, ammonium sulphate, chloric acid
Set-VII: sodium meta-aluminate, calcium hydride, barium peroxide, manganous phosphate,
potassium chromate, magnesium permanganate, chromous oxide, ferrous hydroxide,
potassium zincate, perchloric acid
Set-VIII: potassium dihydrogen pyroantimonate, ammonium oxalate, sodium tetraborate,
potassium cobaltinitrite, calcium silicate, cupric pyrophosphate, sodium tetrathionate, calcium

acetate, cuprous peroxydisulphate, potassium hypophosphite
SET-IX: sodium tungstate, potassium nitroprusside, permanganic acid, ammonium
isothiocyanate, manganous bromite, potassium chromite, antimonyl chloride, mercuric
periodate, ferrous vanadate, sodium plumbate,
SET-X: aluminium hydride, bismuth hypoiodite, ferrous ferricyanide, chromic isocyanide,
barium dihidrogen phosphate, rubium superoxide, ammonium molybdate, arsenic chloride,
cobaltic arsenite, auric perchlorate
SET-XI: potassium argentocyanide, sodium bismuthate, ammonium metaborate, potassium
stannate, bismuthyl chloride, sodium ferrite, ferric oxide, vanadium pentoxide, plumbic
sulphate, potassium antimonite
IONIC EQUATIONS
You already know that a compound has two parts or radicals namely basic radical and
acid radical . For example in K2SO4, K is the basic part and SO4 is the acid part.
Potassium sulphate
K2SO4 K SO 4
(Basic part) (Acid part)
The basic part has come from the base(in this case KOH) and the acid part has come from the
acid(in this case H2SO4). It has already been discussed before that these are ionic compounds
and these radicals are really ions, not neutral species. In the above example, they are K+ and
SO42-, not K and SO4 as written above.
Aqueous Solution:
Many compounds which are soluble in water form free ions on dissolution. Such
compounds are mostly are ionic in nature. For example when solid K2SO4 is dissolved in water
one molecule of K2SO4 forms two potassium ions (cations), each carrying a charge of +1 and
one sulphate ion (anion) carrying a charge of 2-. The basic part forms the cation and the
acid part forms the anion.
+ 2-
K2SO 4 2 K + SO 4
(Basic part) (Acid part)
The magnitude of charge which each ion carries is equal to the valency of the part (radical)
with appropriate sign. Acid part carries -ve and basic part +ve charges. The valency of
potassium is 1 and since it is basic radical, it will carry +1 charge. The valency of sulphate(SO4)
is 2 and since it is acid radical, it will carry 2- (or --)charge.
Solid inorganic compounds which are soluble in water dissociate into free ions. All solid
inorganic compounds whether are highly soluble in water or not have one basic and one acid
part. Silver chloride(AgCl) is feebly soluble in water(practically insoluble), but it contains the
basic radical Ag and acid radical Cl. All inorganic acids and bases also contain positive and
negative ions. The following SAQ will make the idea clear.
SAQ 5: Write down the acid and basic radicals with appropriate charge shown with
the symbol/formula. Also indicate how many ions of each type will be formed fromt
hem on dissociation in water.
Set-I: zinc carbonate, calcium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, hydrogen sulphide, calcium
acetate, sodium chlorate, sulphuric acid, aluminium carbide, ferrous nitrite
Set-II: potassium permanganate, ferric sulphate, nitric acid, magnesium carbonate,
aluminium hydroxide, sodium dichromate, ammonium perchlorate, mercurous nitrate, cupric
thiosulphate, hydrochloric acid
ACIDS AND BASES

Acids: substances which produce H+ ions in aqueous solution are called acids. They are of the
following types:
(i) Monoprotic: These possess one replaceable H atom (e.g. HCl, HBr, HI, HNO3 etc.),
(ii) Diprotic: These contain two replaceable H atoms(e.g H2SO4, H2CO3 etc),
(iii) Triprotic: These contain three replaceable H atoms(e.g H3PO4)
On the basis of their strength, acids are classified into two types.
(a) Strong Acid: which ionises almost completely in aqueous solution. For example,
hydrochloric acid(HCl) when put in water ionises (dissociates) almost completely forming
H+ and Cl- ions and very little unionised HCl remains after dissolution.
H2O + -
HCl(g) H (aq) + Cl (aq)
(Very little) (Very large) (Very large)
(b) Weak Acid: A weak acid though completely soluble in water like strong acid , ionises
only slightly or feebly in aqueous solution. HCN (hydrogen cyanide) for example when
put in water completely dissolves but ionises to a very small extent. So that very little H+
and CN- exist in solution and unionised HCN molecules exist in large number.
H2O + -
HCN (g) H (aq) + CN (aq)
(very large) (Very little) (Very little)
Examples:
Strong Acids: HCl, HBr, HI, HNO3, HClO4, HClO3, H2SO4.These are the few strong acids.
Weak Acids: HF, HCN, H2CO3, HNO2, H2SO3, H3PO4, H3PO3, H3PO2, HClO, etc. and almost
all organic acids such as CH3COOH(acetic acid), HCOOH(formic acid), citric acid etc.
Bases: The oxides and hydroxides of metals are commonly called bases.
(a) Soluble Strong Bases: A strong base is highly soluble in water and ionises
almost completely in water producing large number of OH- ions. The solution of the soluble base
is called an ALKALI.
2+ -
+ -
NaOH(s) Na (aq) + O H (aq) ; CaO + H2O Ca(OH)2 Ca + 2 OH
Oxides and hydroxides of Group 1(alkali metals e.g Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) and three heavier elements
of Group 2(alkaline earth metals -Ca, Sr and Ba) belong to this category. Strictly speaking only
the alkali metal oxides and hydroxides are strong bases. Oxides and hydroxides of Ca, Sr and Ba
are less basic and less soluble than alkali metal oxides and hydroxides.
(b) Insoluble or Weak bases: They are slightly soluble and weakly ionisable in water.
Hydroxides and oxides of all metals other than those cited under soluble strong base category
fall into this class. e.g Fe(OH)3, MgO etc.
Exception: NH3 is highly soluble in water but forms a weak base. when NH3 gas dissolves
in water a weak base NH4OH is formed which ionises very little in water and forms NH4+ and
OH- ions to a very small extent.
SAQ 6 : Indicate which one are strong acids (S) and which are weak acids(W) among
the following:
H3PO4, H2SO4, HCN, CH3COOH, HNO3, HF, HCl, HCOOH, HBr, HNO2, H2CO3, HI,
H2SO3, HBrO, HClO4,
Ionic Equations:
Let us first know how ionic equations are written. For that purpose let us take an acid-base
reaction. You know that an acid reacts with a base to produce a salt and water.
Acid-Base Reactions:
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) ---------> NaCl(aq) + H2O (l)
First, all the species which are marked with the symbol (aq) are converted to their ions(cation
and anion). The symbol 'aq' stands for aqueous and such species are soluble in water and
undergo ionisation to produce their respective cations(basic part) and anions(acid part). Note
that the species marked with the symbol (s), (l) or (g) representing the species existing as solid,
liquid and gas respectively are written as such without converting them into their ions. These
species are insoluble and do not dissolve in water to produce their respective ions.
Total Ionic Equation(TIE:
+ - + - + -
H + Cl + Na + OH Na + Cl + H2O(l)
When all the species associated with (aq) mark are converted to their ions we get the equation
called Total Ionic Equation as shown in the above example. After that we find out which ions
appear common on both LHS and RHS. These are the ions which do not actually take part in the
reaction and are called spectator ions. Just like when we view a cricket match in a stadium or
television as spectators, we do not take part in the game. It is the the players who play and are
important persons and not we, who merely watch the game. In the same manner, the ions which
do not take part in the reaction are not important. In the above example, Na+ and Cl- are the
spectator ions. These are to be cancelled from both the sides to get a clean equation containing
only the involved ions(the players in the chemical game). This simple ionic equation is called Net
Ionic Equation.
Net Ionic Equation(NIE):
+ -
H + OH H2O(l)
In this example, actually the H+ ion from an acid reacts with OH- ions from a base to form
undissociated water molecule. Other ions are simply not important and do not contribute to the
reaction. So they have been removed from the equation.
Note that we shall use the abbreviations TIE for Total Ionic Equation and NIE for Net Ionic
Equation henceforth.
SAQ7:Find the net ionic equations(NIE) in case of the following

(i) Ba(OH)2(aq) + H2SO4(aq) --------------> BaSO4(s) + H2O(l)
(ii) CH3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) ------------> CH3COONa(aq) + H2O(l)
(iii) HNO3(aq) + Cu(OH)2 (s)-----------------> Cu(NO3)2(aq) + H2O(l)
How shall we know which solid species is insoluble and hence to be associated with a
mark (s) and which are soluble so as to be associated with a mark (aq). Of course, there is no
difficulty in detecting liquid or gaseous species for example Cl2(g), N2(g), NO2(g), H2O2(l),
Br2(l) etc. The real trouble lies with the solid species. The following tables give the solubility
rules for some common solids at room temperature. If a solid has a minimum solubility of 0.1
mole per litre of solution at room temperature, it is regarded as a soluble solid. If the solubility is
less than 0.001 mole per litre at room temperature it is regarded as insoluble solid. Solubility lying
between 0.001 to 0.1 mole per litre comes under slightly soluble category. In the following tables
slighly soluble solids(eg. CaSO4, PbCl2, PbBr2 etc.) have been kept under insoluble category. Do
not try to cram the table, rather try to refer it at the time of your need.
Solubility Rules(Table-I)
(A) Soluble Category Exceptions:(Insoluble)
1. Inorganic acids (ALL) _
(HCl, H2SO4, HNO3 etc.)
2. alkali metal (Li+, Na+, K+ , Rb+, Cs+, Fr+)
and NH4+ salts (ALL) _
3. NO3-(nitrates) (ALL) _
4. ClO3-(chlorates), ClO4-(perchlorates) (ALL) _
5. CH3COO-(acetates) (ALL) _
6. SO42-(sulphates) Pb2+, Ca2+,Sr2+, Ba2+, Hg22+, Hg2+, Ag+
7. Cl-(chloride),Br-(bromide)*
I-(iodide)* Hg22+(ous), Ag+, Pb2+, Cu+, Tl+
Solubility Rules(Table-II)
(B) Insoluble Category Exceptions(Soluble)
1. F-(fluorides) alkali metal(Na+, K+, NH4+,
Rb+,Cs+, Fr+), Ag+, Tl+ flourides
2. O2-(oxides), OH-(hydroxides) alkali metal (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+,Cs+,
Fr+), alkaline earth metal (only
Ca2+,Sr2+,Ba2+ , Ra2+), Tl+ & NH4+
oxides and hydroxides
3. CO32-(carbonates), SO32-(sulphite) alkali metal (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+,
PO43-(phosphates), Cs+, Fr+), alkaline earth metal
AsO43-(arsenates) and (only Be2+) & NH4+ salts
CrO42-(chromates)
4. S2-(sulphides) alkali metal (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+,
Cs+, Fr+)alkaline earth metal
(Be2+, Mg2+,Ca2+,Sr2+,Ba2+,Ra2+ )&
NH4+ sulphides
5. Ag+, Hg22+ and Pb2+salts acetate(CH3COO-) & nitrate(NO3-)
* HgBr2 and HgI2 are insoluble.
SAQ 8: Indicate whether the following are soluble(S) or insoluble(I) in water.

(i)HCl (ii)NH4Cl (iii)PbSO4 (iv)Ca(NO 3)2 (v)Hg2Cl2 (vi)Na2SO4 (vii)BaSO 4,
(viii)K 3PO 4 (ix)H 3PO 4 (x)CH 3COONa (xi)AgBr (xii)Mg(ClO 3)2 (xiii)AgCl,
(xiv)NaClO4 (xv)Bi(NO3)3
SAQ 9: Indicate which are insoluble(I) and which are soluble(S) in water.
(i)CaF2 (ii)Fe(OH)3 (iii)BeCO3 (iv)CaCO3 (v)CaS (vi)NaOH
(vii)NH4F (viii)Ca3 (PO4)2 (ix)KF (x)CuS
Note that the solubility rules given in the above tables are never to be memorised. For the
beginners, there will be always an indication in the question about species which are
solid(s), liquid(l), gas(g) or aqueous(aq.). In case such indications are absent, then you
are advised to refer the solubility rules and indicate which are soluble(aq) and which are
not (s). For gases and liquids there will be no difficulty in identifying.
SAQ 10:Write down the total and net ionic equations(TIE and NIE) for the following.
The equations are not to be balanced. Do not write the number of +ve and -ve ions
produced from each molecule while writing TIE.
(i) H2SO4(aq) + Ca(OH)2 (aq) → CaSO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(ii) AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)
(iii) NaOH(aq) + H3PO4(aq) → Na3PO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(iv) BaCl2(aq) + K2CrO4(aq) → BaCrO4(s) + KCl(aq)
(v) Pb(NO3)2(aq.)+ HCl(aq) → PbCl2(s) + HNO3(aq)
SAQ 11: Write down the Net ionic equations(NIE) for the following. Don't balance.
(i) NH4OH(aq) + AlCl3(aq) → Al(OH)3(s) + NH4Cl(aq)
(ii) Fe(OH)2(s)+ HNO3(aq) → Fe(NO3)2 (aq) + H2O(l)
(iii) Na2CO3(aq) + CaCl2(aq) → CaCO3(s) + NaCl(aq)
(iv) Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + NaOH(aq) → Fe(OH)3(s) + Na2SO4(aq)
(v) HBr(aq) + Ca(OH)2(aq) → CaBr2(aq) + H2O(l)
SAQ 12: Write down the Net Ionic Equations for the following. Don't balance the equations.
(i) Zn(s) + HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)
(ii) Mg(s) + H2SO4(aq) → MgSO4(aq) + H2(g)
(iii) CuSO4(aq) + Zn(s) → Cu(s) + ZnSO4(aq)
(iv) Al(s) + NaOH(aq) → NaAlO2(aq) + H2(g)
(v) NaOH(aq) + H3PO4(aq) → NaH2PO4(aq) + H2O(l)
SAQ 13:Write the total and net ionic equations
(i)K2Cr2O7(aq) +H2SO4(aq) +FeSO4(aq) →Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+K2SO4(aq)+Fe2(SO4)3 (aq)+H2O(l)
(ii)Cl2(g) + NaOH(aq) → NaClO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
(iii)KMnO4(aq) + H2SO4(aq) + H2C2O4(s) → K2SO4(aq) + MnSO4(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
OXIDATION NUMBER(O.N) or OXIDATION STATE (O.S)

At this stage it is strongly felt that the students should know about an important concept,
called Oxidation Number(ON) also called Oxidation State(OS). Although this concept is mostly
theoretical in nature, it is of great significance and has tremendous application. You will know
about this very soon.
Let us imagine a molecule of H2O. In water molecule, oxygen atom is connected with
two hydrogen atoms by two covalent bonds. Each covalent bond consists of two electrons.
Imagine that all the atoms in the water molecule quarrel with each other and would like to be
separated from each other such that the electron pair constituting each covalent bond will go to
that atom which is more electronegative.
O
H H Thus oxygen atom gets two additional electrons from the two hydrogen atoms and
hence carries a charge of -2 over its head after the separation. Each hydrogen atom loses one
electron and carries a charge of +1 over its head. Thus the oxidation number(ON) of oxygen is
-2 and each hydrogen is +1. We can similarly analyse for a molecule of NH3.
H N H In NH3, when three pairs of electrons of the three covalent bonds go to nitrogen
H
atom, it gets three additional electrons and hence acquire a charge of -3 and hence its oxidation
number(ON) is -3. Each hydrogen loses one electron and acquire a charge of +1 and hence its
ON is +1.
To sum up, Oxidation Number is the theoretical charge which an atom will acquire if it
is hypothetically separated from all other atoms in a molecule in such a manner that
the bond pairs of electrons are transferred to the more electronegative atom.
If the two atoms are identical ( e.g -O-O- or -S-S- etc.), then the bond pair of electrons
is equally distributed(one electron each) by the two atoms. Thus each atom gets back
its own electron and therefore does not acquire any charge due to that.
To find ON of an atom in a molecule in a manner described above, it is necessary to
have a knowledge of the bond structure of the molecule and electronegativity of elements. Often
it is not easy for a beginner like you to have a thorough idea on all these now. So, we have to
depend on some rules for finding the ON of an atom in a molecule or an ion. It is rather better to
use these rules than to write the bond structure of the molecule and find the ON by way of
analysis as described before.
Rules for determining O.N
(1) The O.N of any element in the elemental or uncombined state is zero. Polyatomic
elements such as H2, O2, P4, S8 etc. are also included in it.
SAQ 14: What is ON of the following species: Zn, Na, Cl2, P4, Fe
(2) The O.N of element existing as simple monoatomic ion in the compound is equal to
the charge of the ion(e.g. Na+1,Cl-1). The charge of the ion is nothing but equal to
valency with appropriate sign. For basic part(radical) +ve and acid part(radical)
-ve signs are used with the the respective valences.
SAQ 15: What is ON of the underlined element:

(i) CaCl2, (ii)NH4Cl, (iii)FeSO4, (iv)Cu2Br2, (v)ZnS , (vi)Sn(NO3)2, (vii)Mg3N2, (viii)HgI2
SAQ 16: Find the ON of the underlined elements
FeSO4, Mn3(PO4)2, Zn3P2, As2O3, SnCl4, Be2C , KMnO4, H2SO4, MgO
(3) The ON of oxygen(O) is always -2 excepting in peroxides in which it is -1,

superoxides in which it is -½ and OF2 in which it is +2.
SAQ 17: Find the ON of oxygen in the following: ZnO, O2, H2O, H2O2, KO2, Al2O3
(4) The ON of hydrogen(H) is always +1 excepting metal hydrides in which it is -1.

SAQ 18: Find the ON of hydrogen in the following: H2O, NH3, H2SO4, NaH, CaH2, AlH3
(5) In a neutral compound the sum of O.Ns of all the atoms of all the elements is
zero.
Example: Let us take the molecule SO3. What is the ON of S in this molecule?
Let us assume the ON of S to be x. The sum of the ONs of all the atoms in the molecule
is zero as per this rule.
x + 3(-2) =0 , So x = +6. For one oxygen atom the ON is -2 and therefore for 3 oxygen
atom it is 3(-2)=-6; The ON of S in SO3 is +6.
SAQ 19: Find the ON of underlined elements.(i)SO2, (ii)HNO3, (iii)H2SO4, (iv)KMnO4,
(v)P2O5, (vi)K2Cr 2O7, (vii)HClO4
(6)The sum of ONs of all the atoms in a polyatomic ion is equal to the charge of the
ion, while the charge of the ion is equal to the valency of the ion with the appropriate
sign(acid radical -ve and basic radical +ve)
Example: SO42-. Since the valency of sulphate radical is 2, its charge will be -2 as it is an acid
radical. Let us find the ON of S in the ion. According to the above rule the sum of the ONs of all
the atoms should be equal to the charge of the ion.
x + 4(-2) = -2 ⇒ x = +6. So the ON of S in sulphate ion is +6.
NB: Conventionally while writing ON, the sign comes first followed by the numerical
value. But when we talk of real ion the sign comes after the numerical value. For example
when we say ON of S in SO42- , it is +6 but when we say the charge of the sulphate ion, it
is written as 2- or - - . This is merely a matter of convention used to distinguish between
the two concepts; while ON is the theoretical charge which one atom will carry, an ion
has the actual charge which the whole ion carries. Note that often students don't give +ve
sign in ONs and write merely 7 instead of +7. This is an error. Always a sign + or - has to
be placed before the numerical value of ON.
Charge
O.N +6 2-
SO4
Also note that the ON is to be placed just above the atom(not as superscript written for charge).
COVALENCY:
The covalency of an atom in a covalent molecule or ion is the number of electrons which the
atom shares with other atoms while forming the covalent bonds. The covalency of an atom is
equal to oxidation number in magnitude. There is no sign(+ve or -ve) in covalency. It is a pure
number. For example, the ON of S in SO42- is +6 and so its covalency is 6.
SAQ 20:
(A) Find the O.N of the underlined atom
(i) NH3, (ii) KNO3, (iii) NO2-, (iv) NO2, (v) N2, (vi) N2O5, (vii) KMnO4, (viii) Cr2O72-
(ix) S2O32-, (x) ClO3-, (xi) NH4+, (xii)NO3-, (xiii) NH4NO3,, (xiv) MnO2, (xv) Cr2(SO4)3,
(xvi) HClO, (xvii) SO32-, (xviii) HCl, (xix) SbCl3, (xx) PH3
(B) Find the covalency of the underlined atoms in case of the following.
(i) NO3- (ii) SO3 (iii) ClO3-
(iv) NH3 (v)N 2O 5
Oxidation and Reduction (Redox Reaction)

This type of reaction is called oxidation-reduction(or redox) reaction, which involves
both oxidation as well as reduction. You already know about some primitive definitions of oxidation
and reduction; oxidation as the addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen and reduction as
addition of hydrogen or removal of oxygen. These old definitions have been outdated. Now you
will be knowing the most modern definitions of oxidation and reduction.
Oxidation: A process in which ON of certain element is increased is called oxidation.
This takes place by the loss of electron. Thus oxidation can also be defined as a process in
which electron(s) is(are) lost.
Reduction: A process in which ON of certain element is decreased is called
reduction. This takes place by the gain of electron. Thus reduction can also be defined as
a process in whcih electron(s) is(are) gained. Look to the following example.
[O]
0 +1 +2 0
Zn + HCl ZnCl2 + H2
(RA) (OA)
[R]
In this example, the ON of Zn was zero(uncombined state) in LHS and it becomes +2 in ZnCl2
in RHS. Thus the ON of Zn has increased from 0 to +2 due to loss of 2 electrons by neutral Zn
atom to form Zn2+ ion. This process is oxidation. We say that Zn is oxidised to ZnCl2. On the
other hand, the ON of H in HCl is +1 in LHS and in H2 it is 0 in the RHS. Thus the ON of H has
decreased from +1 to 0 due to gain of one electron. This is the reduction process. We say that
HCl is reduced to H2. We found also that wherever there is oxidation, there is a reduction.
Whenever there is a loss there is definitely a gain. Just like, if you lose a 100 rupee note on the
road, it is your loss, but it is the gain of a person who finds it. Like loss and gain, oxidation and
reduction also go simultaneously. There cannot be an oxidation without having a reduction or
vice versa.
The substance which is oxidised is called Reducing Agent(RA) and the substance
which is reduced is called OxidisingAgent(OA). In the above reaction, Zn is oxidised, hence it
is the reducing agent(RA) as it reduces H+ to H2(ON=0). HCl is reduced, hence it is the
oxidising agent(OA) as it oxidises Zn(ON=0) to Zn2+.
SAQ 21: Show by indicating the ON which is oxidised and which reduced. Also
indicate which is Oxidising Agent(OA) and which Reducing Agent(RA). The elements
which have undergone changes in ON have been underlined.The equations are not
balanced. Do not also try to balance them.
(i) Na + H2O → NaOH + H2
(ii) N2 + H2 → NH3
(iii) P4 + Cl2 → PCl3
(iv) NH3 + CuO → Cu + N2 + H2O
(v) H2 + I2 → HI
(vi) Mg + H2SO4 → MgSO4 + H2
(vii) N2 + O2 → NO
(viii) Cu + HNO3 → Cu(NO3)2 + NO2 + H2O
(ix) MnO2 + HCl → MnCl2 + H2O + Cl2
(x) KMnO4 + H2SO4 + FeSO4 → K2SO4 + MnSO4 + Fe2(SO4)3 +H2O
Broad Classification of Inorganic Reactions:

All inorganic reactions belong to the following two types.
(i)Redox type: Already discussed above (ii)Metathesis type(Non-redox): No change
of ON occurs in respect of any element.
(i) Redox Reactions: Change in ON takes place in this case. One is oxidised(ON increased)
and the other is reduced(ON is decreased). We have already discussed this before.
[O]
0 +1 +2 0
ex. Zn + HCl ZnCl2 + H2
[R]
(ii) Metathesis Reactions: No change in ON takes place for any element. The hundreds of
double replacement reactions(also called as double decomposition) that you know belong
to this category. Look to the following reactions.
+1 -1 +1 -1
eg. AgNO3(aq) + HCl(aq) AgCl(s) + HNO 3(aq)
+1 +1 +1 +1
NaOH + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + H2O(l)
In such reactions no element undergoes change in ON. You may calculate the ON of each
element and find for yourself that no change in ON has taken place. You are advised to avoid
calculation of ON once you see a reaction belonging to double displacement reaction type. In
such reactions, change in ON does not take place as the same acid and basic radical(ions) are
present on both the sides although their partners are changed.
Caution: Remember that there cannot be any reaction involving only oxidation and no reduction
or vice versa. In other words, the reaction cannot be an intermediate between redox and
metathesis types. The following example will explain it more clearly.
+1 +1 +1 0
Na2O + H2O NaOH + H2 (wrong)
In this case only H has undergone reduction from +1 to 0 and there is no oxidation. This is not
possible. So the products have been wrongly predicted. The correct reaction is
+1 +1 +1 +1
Na2O + H2O NaOH (It is a metathesis reaction, not redox)
SAQ 22: Indicate by assigning ON which reactions are redox and which metathesis. If
you find a reaction to be double resplacement type(metathesis), don't find the ONs of
atoms. Leave them as such. There is no change in ON in those reactions.
(i) H2 + Cl2 --------> HCl
(ii) Zn(NO3)2 + NH4OH ---------> Zn(OH)2 + NH4NO3
(iii) Cu + HNO3 ------> Cu(NO3)2 + NO2 + H2O
(iv) Na + H2O ---------> NaOH + H2
(v) NaOH + HNO3 -----> NaNO3 + H2O
(vi) AgNO3 + HCl -----> AgCl + HNO3
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Using solubility rules, predict which of the following are insoluble(I) and whcih
are soluble(S) in water.
NaNO3, KBr, MgF2, FeCl2, MgCO3, BaSO4, MgS, Na3PO4, Na2CrO4, Ba(ClO4)2,
Ba(OH)2, Hg2Cl2, NH4F, BeCO3, PbI2, Ag2SO4, LiBr, K2Cr2O7, AgCl, Mg3(PO4)2
2. Write down the anions produced from the following acids in water.
HClO3, H3PO4, CH3COOH, HCN, HOCl, H2SO4, HNO2, HMnO4, H3PO3, H3PO2,
HIO4, HClO2,
3. Find the total and net ionic equations in case of the following.Balancing is not necessary.
(i) HI(aq) + KOH(aq) --------> KI(aq) + H2O(l)
(ii) NaOH(aq) + HClO4(aq) --------> NaClO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(iii) HNO3(aq) + NH3(g) ----------------> NH4NO3 (aq)
(iv) CuSO4(aq) + H2S(g) ---------------> CuS(s) + H2SO4(aq)
(v) H2SO4(aq) + MgO(s) ------------> MgSO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(vi) Zn(s) + NaOH(aq) --------------> Na2ZnO2(aq) + H2(g)
(vii) Al(OH)3(s) + HBr(aq) ---------> AlBr3(aq) + H2O(l)
(viii) Mn(NO3)2(aq) + Na2S(aq) ---------> MnS(s) + NaNO3(aq)
(ix) Ba(OH)2(aq) + H2SO4(aq) --------------> BaSO4(s) + H2O(l)
(x) H3PO4(aq) + Ca(OH)2 (aq)-----------------> Ca3(PO4)2 (s)+ H2O(l)
(xi) MnO2(s) + HCl(aq) ------> MnCl2(aq) + Cl2(g) + H2O(l)
(xii) KBr(aq) + H2SO4(aq) -------> K2SO4(aq) + Br2(l) + SO2(g) + H2O(l)
(xiii) Cu(s) + HNO3(aq) --------->Cu(NO3)2 + H2O(l) + NO(g)

(xiv) K2Cr2O7(aq) +H2SO4(aq) + KNO2(aq) -------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3(aq) + KNO3(aq)+ H2O(l)
(xv) I2(s) + Na2S2O3(aq) -----> Na2S4O6(aq) + NaI(aq)
(xvi) HI +HNO2 → NO + H2O + I2
(xvii) KOH + KMnO4 → K2MnO4 + O2 + H2O
4. Predict the products of the following neutralisation reactions and also write the total and
net ionic equations.These are the simple double replacement(ion exchange) reactions
that you know. Refer the tables on solubility rules to know whether the salt produced is
soluble(aq) or insoluble(s).
(i) NaOH(aq) + HBr(aq) → _________ + _________
(ii) Ca(OH)2(aq) + HNO3(aq) → _________ + _________
(iii) H2SO4(aq) + KOH(aq) → _________ + _________
(iv) Ba(OH)2(aq) + HCl(aq) → _________ + _________
(v) Mg(OH)2 (s) + H2SO4(aq) →_________ + _________
(vi) MnO(s) + H3PO4 (aq) → _________ + _________
(vii) Al2O3 (s)+ H2SO4 (aq) → _________ + _________
(viii) Fe(OH)3 (s)+ HBr(aq) → _________ + _________
(ix) NaOH(aq) + HClO4 (aq) → _________ + _________
(x) Cr2O3(s) + H2SO4(aq.) → _________ + _________
5. Assign the Oxidation Number(ON) to element underlined in the following.

NaCl, BaF2, NH3, H2O, NaH, SO3, CO2, P2O3, HClO, MnCl2, As(NO3)3, SnSO4,
Hg2Cl2, H2SO4, BCl3, SF6, HClO3 , SO32-, S4O62- , NH4+, NO3-, NO2-, H2CO3, ClO2-,
K2Cr2O7, Na2O2, MnO2, SnCl4, FeBr3, Cu2Cl2, NH4NO3, NO, N2O, N2, ZnO, K2O,
Ca(OH)2, Al, Al2(SO4)3, OF2, N2O5, S2O32-, OCN-, HCN, S2O82-, H2SO5, CrO5, KO2,
Ni(CO)4, CaS5, [SnS3]2-,[Fe(CN)6]4-,
XeOF4, NaN3, SCN-, O2F2, CN-, N3H, [Ni(CN)4]2-, [Cr(H2O)4(CN)2]+, C3H8, C6H12O6,
BrCl3, HIO3, H2[SiF6], CaNCN, NaCN, Ca(OCl)Cl, S2O32-
6. Indicate in the following reactions which is oxidized and which reduced. Also identify
which is Oxidising Agent(OA) and which Reducing Agent(RA). Assign the ON of the
involved atoms and show the Oxidation and Reduction processes by arrow mark.
(i) K + H2O → KOH + H2
(ii) NH3 + O2 → N2 + H2O
(iii) Na + NH3 → NaNH2 + H2
(iv) Ca + H2O → Ca(OH)2 + H2
(v) Al + NaOH + H2O → NaAlO2 + H2
(vi) Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2
(vii) CuO + NH3 → Cu + H2O + N2
(viii) P4 + O2 → P2O5
(ix) H2 + Cl2 → HCl
(x) H2O2 + H2S → S + H2O
(xi) FeBr3 + Cl2 → FeCl3 + Br2

(xii) I2 + Na2S2O3 → NaI + Na2S4O6
(xiii) SnCl2 + HgCl2 → SnCl4 + Hg2Cl2
(xiv) Cu + HNO3 → Cu(NO3)2 + NO2 + H2O
(xv) KMnO4 + H2SO4 + FeSO4 --------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O
(xvi) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + H2S --------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + S + H2O
7. Indicate in the following reactions which is oxidized and which reduced. Also identify
which is Oxidising Agent(OA) and which Reducing Agent(RA). Assign the ON of the
involved atoms and show the Oxidation and Reduction processes by connecting lines.
(i) Fe2O3 + CO → CO2 + Fe
(ii) I2 + S2O32- → S4O62- + I-
(iii) Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O2 → FeSO4 + O2 + H2SO4
(iv) Ca(OCl)2 + KI + HCl → I2 + CaCl2 + H2O + KCl
(v) PbO2 + HBr → PbBr2 + Br2 + H2O
(vi) HNO3 + Zn → Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + H2O
(vii) NH4NO3 → N2O + H2O
(viii) Pb(NO3)2 → PbO + NO2 + O2
(ix) P4 + H2SO4 → SO2 + H3PO4 + H2O
(x) Cl2 + NaOH → NaCl + NaClO3 + H2O
8. Show by indicating the ON which is oxidised and which reduced.
(i) CuS + HNO3 ------> Cu(NO3)2 + S + H2O + NO
(ii) Zn + HNO3 ------> Zn(NO3)2 + H2O + NH4NO3
(iii) MnO + PbO2 + HNO3 -----> HMnO4 + Pb(NO3)2 + H2O
(iv) KMnO4 + KCl + H2SO4 ----------> MnSO4 + K2SO4 + Cl2 + H2O
(v) K2C2O4 + K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 ---------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + CO2 + H2O
(vi) HNO3 + HI -----> NO + I2 + H2O
(vii) NH3 + O2 ------> NO + H2O
(viii) CuO + NH3 -----> N2 + Cu + H2O
(ix) SO2 + H2S ----> S + H2O
(x) NaNO3 -----> NaNO2 + O2
(xi) KClO3 ----> KCl + O2
(xii) Pb(NO3)2 ------> PbO + NO2 + O2
(xiii) Zn + NaOH --------> Na2ZnO2 + H2
(xiv) KClO3 + H2SO4 -----> KHSO4 + O2 + ClO2 + H2O
(xv) Sn + HNO3 -----> SnO2 + NO2 + H2O
(xvi) I2 + HNO3 -----> HIO3 + NO2 + H2O
(xvii) KBr + H2SO4 -----> K2SO4 + Br2 + SO2 + H2O
(xviii) Ca3(PO4)2 + SiO2 + C ------> CaSiO3 + P4 + CO
(xix) Na + NH3 -----> NaNH2 + H2
(xx) H2O2 + H2S -----> S + H2O
(xxi) Cr(OH)3 + Na2O2 ----------> Na2CrO4 + H2O
(xxii) O3 + Hg -------> Hg2O + O2
(xxiii) K4[Fe(CN)6] + O3 + H2O -----> K3[Fe(CN)6] + O2 + KOH

(xxiv) NaBrO3 + NaBr + HCl -----> NaCl + Br2 + H2O
(xxv) KMnO4 ---------> K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
(xxvi) MnSO4 + (NH4)2S2O8 + H2O → MnO2 + H2SO4 + (NH4)2SO4
(xxvii) Zn + H2SO4 + As2O3 → AsH3 + ZnSO4 + H2O
(xxviii) ClO2 + H2O2 + NaOH → NaClO2 + O2 + H2O
(xxix) N2H4 + BrO3- → N2 + Br - + H2O
(xxx) CuSO4 + KI → Cu2I2 + K2SO4 + I2
(xxxi) Fe + H2O → Fe3O4 + H2
(xxxii) H2O2 + NaOCl → NaCl + O2 + H2O
RESPONSE TO SAQS
SAQ 1:
(i) Mg2 Cl1 = MgCl2 (ii) Na1 (SO4)2 = Na2SO4
(iii)Ca2 (NO3)1 = Ca(NO3)2 (iv) Fe3 S2 = Fe2S3
(v) Cu2 O2 = CuO (vi) K1 (SO3)2 = K2SO3
(vii)H2SO4 (viii) Al3 (PO4)3 = AlPO4
(ix) Ba2 (O2)2 = BaO2 (x) (NH4)1 (CN)1 = NH4CN
Note that the parenthesis used for SO4 in (ii) has been removed as there is no coefficient
for it. But in (iii) the parenthesis is retained for NO3 as there is a coefficient 2 for it. Similarly
the parentheses have been removed in (vi), (viii), (ix) and (x). If you are not thorough in
writing the formula you first practise in the way shown above i.e first place the valencies at
the top (superscript) and simplify if required and then crisscross them as subscripts to write
the formula.
SAQ 2: ZnCO3, Cu2S, (NH4)2SO4, K2O, HgSO3, FeS, Na2CO3, Ca(NO2)2, SnCl2,
HNO 3
SAQ 3: ammonium phosphate, ferric chloride, potassium sulphite, magnesium nitride,

sodium peroxide, mercurous carbonate, aluminium phosphide, calcium bicarbonate (or
calcium hydrogen carbonate), mercuric sulphide, phosphoric acid
SAQ 4: Set-I: Ca(CH3COO)2, K2MnO4, Mg(OCl)2, Fe2(SO4)3, Hg(NO3)2, NH4HCO3,

Cu2S, AlBr3, ZnSO3, HNO2,
Set-II: Na2CrO4, MgCl2, K3PO4, Ca3P2, SnS, PbCO3, Fe(NO2)2, HgHCO3, NH4ClO3,
HBr
Set-III: Na3PO4, CaSO4, K2Cr2O7, Mg(ClO2)2, SnCl4, Al4C3, AgNO2, CoS, Fe2(SO3)3,
CaMnO4
Set-IV: Mg(HCO3)2, NaCN, FeSO4, Cr(OH)3, ZnS2O3, K4[Fe(CN)6], (NH4)2Cr2O7,

As(NO3)3, Cu(HCO3)2, HOCl(HClO)
Set-V: Sr(NO3)2, K2SO3, Cu2[Fe(CN)6], AlP, Pb(CH3COO)2, Cu2CO3, NaHCO3, Cr2O3,
Mg(ClO4)2, H3PO4
Set-VI: K2HPO3, Na2S2O3, Fe3(PO4)2, Ca3[Fe(CN)6]2, SnO, PbO2, HgCr2O7, CaC2,
(NH4)2SO4, HClO3
Set-VII: NaAlO2, CaH2, BaO2, Mn3(PO4)2, K2CrO4, Mg(MnO4)2, CrO, Fe(OH)2,
K2ZnO2, HClO4
Set-VIII: K 2H 2 Sb 2O 7, (NH 4) 2C 2O 4, Na 2B 4O 7, K 3[Co(NO 2) 6], CaSiO 3, Cu 2 P 2O 7 ,
Na2S4O6, Ca(CH3COO)2, Cu2S2O8, KH2PO2
SET-IX: Na2WO4, K2[Fe(CN)5(NO)], HMnO4, NH4NCS, Mn(BrO2)2, KCrO2, SbOCl,
Hg(IO4)2, Fe(VO3)2, Na2PbO3
SET-X: AlH3, Bi(OI)3, Fe3[Fe(CN)6]2, Cr(NC)3, Ba(H2PO4)2, RbO2, (NH4)2MoO4,
AsCl5, CoAsO3, Au(ClO4)3
SET-XI: K[Ag(CN)2], NaBiO3, NH4BO2, K2SnO3, BiOCl, NaFeO2, Fe2O3, V2O5,
Pb(SO4)2, KSbO2
SAQ 5:
Set-I: Zn2+ and CO32-, 3Ca2+ & 2PO43-, NH4+ & NO3-, 2H+ & S2-, Ca2+ &
2CH3COO-, Na+ & ClO3-, 2H+& SO42-, 4Al3+ & 3C4-, Fe2+ & NO2-
Set-II: K+ & MnO4-, 2Fe3+ & 3SO42-, H+ & NO3-,Mg2+ & CO32-, Al3+ & 3OH-,
2Na+ & Cr2O72, NH4+ & ClO4-, Hg+(or Hg22+) & NO3-(2 NO3-) Cu2+ &
S2O32-, H+ and Cl-
(Note that the charges of the acid and basic parts have been given to all without considering
whether they are soluble in water or not)
SAQ 6: H 3PO 4(W), H 2SO 4 (S), HCN(W), CH 3COOH(W),HNO 3 (S), HF(W),
HCl(S),HCOOH(W), HBr(S), HNO2(W), H2CO3(W),HI(S), H2SO3(W), HBrO(W),
HClO4(S)
SAQ7: (i) TIE: Ba2+ + OH- + H+ + SO42- ------------> BaSO4(s) + H2O(l)
Since BaSO4 is associated with a (s) mark, it is insoluble and hence it has not been
ionised. H2O also is associated with (l) mark, it has also not been ionised. Note that in the above
equation we should have written 2 OH- and 2 H+ in the LHS which we did not. This is because
we are not intending to balance the equation now and as a matter of fact the equation given in
the question is not a balanced equation. Our sole purpose is to write the ions with their appropriate
charges. That is all. We don't have to bother how many of each ion is produced in the LHS and
RHS at this moment. In other words, we are not interested in balancing the equation now.
NIE: Ba2+ + OH- + H+ + SO42- ------------> BaSO4(s) + H2O(l)
Since no ion is found to be common in both sides, no ion is a spectator. All ions are involved and
hence the net ionic equation is same as total ionic equation.
- + + - - +
(ii) TIE: CH3 COO + H + Na + OH CH3 COO + Na + H2 O(l)
NIE: H+ +OH- ----------> H2O(l)
In this case, like the first example shown in the text, H+ ion from acid reacts with OH- ion from
base to form undissociated H2O molecule. In fact this is the net ionic equation for almost all acid-
base(neutralisation) reactions.
(iii) TIE: H+ + NO3- + Cu(OH)2(s) ----------> Cu2+ + NO3- + H2O(l)
In this case, NO3- is the spectator ion which is cancelled from both the sides to get NIE.
NIE: H+ + Cu(OH)2(s) ----------> Cu2+ + H2O(l)
SAQ 8: Refer the solubility rules to verify answer.
(i) HCl(S): All inorganic acids are soluble; (ii)NH4Cl(S): All ammonium salts are soluble
(iii) PbSO4-(I): All sulphates are soluble excepting a few such as PbSO4, SrSO4, BaSO4,
HgSO4, Ag2SO4 which are insoluble.
(iv) Ca(NO3)2- (S): All nitrates are soluble: (v)Hg2Cl2-(I): All chorides are soluble excepting
a few such as Hg2Cl2, AgCl and PbCl2 which are insoluble.
(vi) Na2SO4- (S): All Na salts are soluble; (vii)BaSO4-(I): (viii)K3PO4- (S): All
K salts are soluble; (ix)H3PO4-(S): All inorganic acids are soluble;
(x) CH3COONa-(S): All Na salts and all acetates are soluble.
(xi) AgBr-(I): All bromides are soluble excepting Ag+, Hg22+ and Pb2+.
(xii) Mg(ClO3)2- (S): All chlorates are soluble; (xiii)AgCl-(I)
(xiv) NaClO4-(S): All perchlorates are soluble.
(xv) Bi(NO3)2 - (S): All nitrates are soluble
SAQ 9:
(i) CaF2-(I): All fluorides are insoluble excepting those of Na+, K+, NH4+, Ag+, Tl+
which are soluble.
(ii) Fe(OH)3 -(I): All hydroxides are insoluble excepting those of Na+, K+, NH4+, Ca2+,
Sr2+, Ba2+ which are soluble.
(iii) BeCO3-(S): All carbonates are insoluble excepting those of Na+, K+, NH4+, Be2+
which are soluble.
(iv) CaCO3- (I)
(v) CaS-(S): All sulphides are insoluble excepting Na+, K+, NH4+, Mg2+,Ca2+,Sr2+,Ba2+
which are soluble.
(vi) NaOH-(S)
(vii) NH4F-(S)
(viii) Ca3(PO4)2-(I): All phosphates are insoluble excepting those of Na+, K+, NH4+, Be2+
which are soluble.
(ix) KF-(S)
(x) CuS-(I)
SAQ 10:
(i) TIE: H+ + SO42- + Ca2+ + OH- ---------> Ca2+ + SO42- + H2O(l)
NIE: H+ + OH- -----------> H2O
(ii) TIE: Ag+ + NO3- + Na+ + Cl- -----------> AgCl(s) + Na+ + NO3-
NIE: Ag+ + Cl- ---------> AgCl(s)
(iii) TIE: Na+ + OH- + H+ + PO43- ---------> Na+ + PO43- + H2O(l)
NIE: H+ + OH- ---------> H2O
(iv) TIE: Ba2+ + Cl- + K+ + CrO42- ----------> BaCrO4(s) + K+ + Cl-
NIE: Ba2+ + CrO42- -----------> BaCrO4(s)
(v) TIE: Pb2+ + NO3- + H+ + Cl- ------------> PbCl2(s) + H+ + NO3-
NIE: Pb2+ + Cl- -----------> PbCl2(s)
Note that in all these equations, balancing has not been done.
SAQ 11:
(i) Al3+ + OH- -------> Al(OH)3(s)
(ii) Fe(OH)2(s) + H+ --------> Fe2+ + H2O(l)
(iii) Ca2+ + CO32- --------> CaCO3(s)
(iv) Fe3+ + OH- -----------> Fe(OH)3(s)
(v) H+ + OH- ---------> H2O(l)
In all the above equations the students are advised to write first the total ionic equation(TIE) and
then write net ionic equations(NIE) after cancelling the spectator ions.
SAQ 12:
(i) Zn(s) + H+ ------------> Zn2+ + H2(g)
(ii) Mg(s) + H+ -----------> Mg2+ + H2(g)
(iii) Cu2+ + Zn(s) ---------> Cu(s) + Zn2+
(iv) Al(s) + OH- ---------> AlO2- + H2(g)
(v) OH- + H+ ----------> H2O(l)
SAQ 13:
(i) TIE: K+ + Cr2O72- + H+ + SO42- + Fe2+ + SO42- ---------> Cr3+ + SO42- + K+ + SO42- + Fe3+ + SO42- + H2O(l)
NIE: Cr2O72- +H+ + Fe2+ --------------> Cr3+ + Fe3+ + H2O(l)
Note that we have cancelled all K+ ions and all SO42- ions from LHS and RHS without considering
whether such ions appear same number times in both sides or not. SO42- ions appeared two
times in the LHS while the same appeared three times in the RHS. Even then we cancelled all
of them. This is because we have not balanced the equation and had we balanced the equation,
the number of K+ ions and SO42- ions would have definitely appeared same number of times in
both the sides. Since we are interested only to write the net ionic equations, we tactfully detected
the unimportant(spectator) ions which are not involved in the reaction and cancelled them.
(ii) TIE: Cl2(g) + Na+ + OH- ---------> Na+ + Cl- + Na+ + ClO3- + H2O(l)
NIE: Cl2(g) + OH- ---------> Cl- + ClO3- + H2O(l)
Here also we cancelled one Na+ in LHS and two Na+ in the RHS. To remind you again that we
have not done anything wrong as we merely want the net ionic equation which is not balanced.
It may be remembered here that while cancelling the spectator ions from the two sides the
students should find first the ions which do not take part in the reaction. Then remove them all
without considering how many times they appear in which side.
(iii) TIE: K+ + MnO4- + H+ + SO42- + H2C2O4(s) -------------> K+ + SO42- + Mn2+ + SO42- + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
NIE: MnO4- + H+ + H2C2O4(s) ----------------> Mn2+ + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
Here also we have cancelled SO42- one time from LHS and two times from RHS. Never mind,
we are not going to get a balanced ionic equation now.
SAQ 14: Zero. All of them are in the uncombined elementary state.
SAQ 15: (i) Ca = +2(Since the valency of Ca is 2), (ii) Cl= -1(since the valency of Cl is 1)
(iii) Fe = +2(since valency of ferrous iron is 2), (iv) Cu = +1(since valency of cuprous is 1)
(v) S = -2(since valency of sulphide is 2), (vi) Sn = +2(since valency of stannous is 2)
(vii)Mg = +2(valency of Mg is 2) and N = -3(valency of nitride is 3)
(viii) Hg =+2(valency of mercuric is 2) and I = -1(valency of iodide is 1)
Note that the basic parts have been given +ve charge and acid parts -ve charge.
SAQ 16: +2, +2, -3, +3, +4, -4, +1, +1, -2
SAQ 17: -2, 0 (uncombined state), -2, -1(since it is peroxide: O2 has a charge of -2, so for one
oxygen atom it is -1, refer the valency table), -½ (since it is superoxide: O2 has a charge of -1, so
for one oxygen atom it is -½, refer the valency table),-2
SAQ 18: +1, +1, +1, -1, -1, -1 (since the last three compounds are metallic hydrides)
It is to to be noted that ON always is assigned for one atom, for H2O, the ON of
hydrogen is +1, not +2, similarly for NH3, the ON of H is +1 not +3. But for calculation purpose
when we find the sum of ONs we take +2 and +3 respectively. We shall see this in the SAQ 19.
SAQ 19:
(i) x +2(-2) =0, ⇒ x = +4
(ii) +1+x +3(-2) =0, ⇒ x = +5,
(iii) +2 +x +4(-2)=0, ⇒ x =+6, Note that for one H atom the ON is +1 and so for 2 H
atoms the total ON is +2.
(iv) +1 + x + 4(-2) = 0 ⇒ x = +7
(v) 2x + 5(-2) =0 ⇒ x=+5(note that since there are two P atoms we wrote 2x but ON
of P=x).
(vi) +2 +2x + 7(-2) =0 ⇒ x= +6,(there are two K atoms and each has an ON of +1,
again there are two Cr atoms each has ON of x)
(vii) +1+x+4(-2)=0 ⇒ x= +7
SAQ 20:(A)
(i) x+3=0, ⇒ x= -3 (ii) +1+x+3(-2) = 0, ⇒ x=+5, (iii)x+2(-2)=-1 ⇒ x=+3,
(iv) x+2(-2)=0, ⇒ x=+4, (v) 0(uncombined state) (vi) 2x+5(-2)=0, ⇒ x=+5,
(vii) +7(see SAQ 19), (viii) 2x-14=-2, ⇒ x=+6, (ix) 2x-6=-2, ⇒ x=+2, (x) x-6=-1, ⇒ x=+5
(xi) x+4=+1, ⇒ x=-3, (xii) x-6=-1, ⇒ x=+5 (xiii) For NH4NO3, we have to find separately
for the two N atoms, once taking NH4+(already found in bit xi as -3) and and then taking NO3-
(already found in bit xii as +5). Note that in this compound you should not find a single ON for N
by taking 2x for N, (xiv) x-4=0, ⇒ x=+4, (xv) +3, since the valency of chromic(Cr), a
monoatomic ion is 3, hence its ON has to be +3, (xvi) +1+x-2 =0, ⇒ x=+1, (xvii) x-6=-2, ⇒
x=+4, (xviii) -1(Cl is a monoatomic ion having valency 1, so ON is -1) (xix) +3, Sb(ous) is
a monoatomic ion having valency 3, hence ON +3. (xx) x+3 =0, ⇒ x= -3
(B) (i)(NO3-) 5 (ii) (SO3) 6 (iii)(ClO3-) 5 (iv) (NH3) 3 (v) (N2O5) 5
SAQ 21:
Student is advised to find the ON of the elements marked with asterisk by x method explained
before and then proceed to analyse which is oxidation and reduction.
(i) LHS: Na=0(uncombinded state), H in H2O=+1, RHS: Na in NaOH=+1 and H in
H2=0(uncombinded state)
[O]
0 +1 +1 0
Na + H2O NaOH + H2
(RA) (OA) [R]
In this case Na is oxidised to NaOH and hence acts as reducing agent(RA) while H2O is
reduced to H2 and hence acts as oxidising agent(OA).
(ii) LHS: N in N2 =0(uncombinded state), H in H2=0,RHS: N in NH3= -3, H in NH3=+1
[O]
0 0 -3 +1
N2 + H2 NH3
(OA) (RA) [R]
N2 is reduced to NH3 as its ON decreased from 0 to -3 and hence acts as OA while H2 is

oxidised to NH3 as its ON increased from 0 to +1. So it acts as RA.
(iii) LHS: P in P4=0(uncombined state), Cl in Cl2= 0, RHS: P in PCl3=+3, Cl in PCl3= -1
[O]
0 0 +3 -1
P4 + Cl2 PCl3
[R]
(RA) (OA)
(iv) LHS: N in NH3=-3, Cu in CuO = +2, RHS: Cu =0(uncombined state), N in N2=0
[O]
+2 -3 0 0
CuO + NH3 Cu + N2 + H2O
(OA) (RA) [R]
CuO is reduced to Cu as the ON of Cu decreased from +2 to 0 and hence acts as OA while NH3
is oxidised to N2 as the ON of N increased from -3 to 0, and hence acts as RA.
(v) LHS: H in H2=0, I in I2=0, RHS: H in HI= +1 and I in HI= -1,
[O]
0 0 +1 -1
H2 + I2 [R]
HI ,
(RA) (OA)
In this case H2 is oxidised to HI hence it is the RA while I2 is reduced to HI so that it is OA.

(vi) LHS: Mg =0, H in H2SO4=+1, RHS: Mg in MgSO4=+2, H in H2=0
[O]
0 +1 +2 0
Mg + H2SO4 MgSO4 + H2
(RA) (OA) [R]
In this case Mg is oxidised to MgSO4 and hence is RA while H2SO4 is reduced to H2 and hence
is the OA.
(vii) LHS: N in N2=0, O in O2=0, RHS: N in NO=+2, O in NO= -2
[O]
0 0 +2 -2
N2 + O 2 NO
(RA) (OA) [R]
(viii) LHS: Cu =0, N in HNO3 =+5, RHS: Cu in Cu(NO3)2=+2, N in NO2=+4

[O]
0 +5 +2 +4
Cu + HNO3 Cu(NO3)2 + NO2 + H2O
(RA) (OA) [R]
(ix) LHS: Mn in MnO2= +4, Cl in HCl =-1, RHS: Mn in MnCl2=+2, Cl in Cl2=0

[O]
+4 -1 +2 0
MnO2 + HCl MnCl2 + Cl2 + H2O
(OA) (RA) [R]
In this case MnO2 is reduced to MnCl2 as the ON of Mn decreased from +4 to +2, hence it is
OA. HCl is reduced to Cl2 as the ON of Cl increased from -1 to 0, hence HCl is RA.
(x) LHS: Mn in KMnO4=+7, Fe in FeSO4 =+2(valency of ferrous is 2),
RHS: Mn in MnSO4=+2(valency of Manganous is 2), Fe in Fe2(SO4)3=+3(valency of ferric is 3)
[O]
+2 +2 +3
+7
KMnO4 + H2SO4 + FeSO 4 K2SO4 + MnSO 4 + Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O
(OA) (RA) [R]
In this case, FeSO4 is oxidised to Fe2(SO4)3 as the ON of Fe increased from +2 to +3, hence
FeSO4 is the RA. KMnO4 is reduced to MnSO4 as the ON of Mn decreased from +7 to +2,
hence KMnO4 acts as OA.
SAQ 22:
(i) Redox: The ON of H changes from 0 to +1 while Cl changes from 0 to -1
(ii) Metathesis: It is double replacement reaction i.e partners(acid and basic radicals) have
been exchanged. In such reactions, no element undergoes any change in ON.
(iii) Redox: The ON of Cu changes from 0 to +2 while of N changes from +5 to +4.
(iv) Redox: The ON of Na changes from 0 to +1 while of H changes from +1 to 0.
(v) Metathesis: It is also a double replacement reaction: Neutralisation reaction.
(vi) Metathesis: Double replacement reaction.
ANSWERS TO PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. NaNO3-S(All nitrates are soluble), KBr-S(All K salts are soluble), MgF2-I(All fluorides
are insoluble excepting Na+, K+, NH4+, Ag+, Tl+), FeCl2-S(All chlorides are soluble
excepting Ag+, Hg22+ and Pb2+), MgCO3-S(All carbonates are insoluble excepting Na+,
K +, NH 4+, Be 2+,Mg2+ ), BaSO 4-I(All sulphates are soluble excepting Pb2+, Sr 2+ ,
Ba2+,Hg2+,Ag+), MgS-S(All sulphides are insoluble excepting the sulphides of Na+, K+,
NH4+, Mg2+,Ca2+,Sr2+,Ba2+), Na3PO4-S(All Na salts are soluble), Na2CrO4-S(all Na
salts are soluble), Ba(ClO4)2-S(All perchlorates are soluble), Ba(OH)2-S(All hydroxides
are insoluble excepting those of Na+, K+, NH4+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+), Hg2Cl2-I(All chlorides
are soluble excepting Ag+, Hg22+ and Pb2+), NH4F-S(All flourides are insoluble excepting
Na+, K+, NH4+, Ag+, Tl+), BeCO3-S(All carbonates are insoluble excepting Na+, K+,
NH4+, Be2+,Mg2+), PbI2-I(All iodides are soluble excepting those of Ag+, Hg22+ and
Pb2+), Ag2SO4-I(all sulphates are soluble excepting those of Pb2+, Sr2+, Ba2+,Hg2+,Ag+),
LiBr-S(all bromides are soluble excepting those of Ag+, Hg22+ and Pb2+), K2Cr2O7-S(all
K salts are soluble), AgCl-I(All Chlorides are solulbe excepting Ag+, Hg22+ and Pb2+),
Mg3(PO4)2-S(all phosphates are insoluble excepting those of Na+, K+, NH4+, Be2+,Mg2+).
2. ClO 3 - (chlorate), PO 4 3- (phosphate), CH 3COO - (acetate), CN - (cyanide), OCl -
(hypochlorite), SO42-(sulphate), NO2-(nitrite).

3. Net Ionic equations(NIE) are given below. The readers are to first write the TIE for
each.
(i) H+ + OH- -------> H2O
(ii) H+ + OH- -------> H2O
(iii) H+ + NH3(g) -------> NH4+
(iv) Cu2+ + H2S(g) -------> CuS(s) + H+
(v) H+ + MgO(s) -------> Mg2+ + H2O(l)
(vi) Zn(s) + OH- ----------> ZnO22- + H2(g)
(vii) Al(OH)3(s) + H+ -------> Al3+ + H2O(l)
(viii) Mn2+ + S2- ------> MnS(s)
(ix) Ba2+ + OH- + H+ + SO42- -------> BaSO4(s) + H2O(l)
(x) H+ + PO43- + Ca2+ + OH- -------> Ca3(PO4)2(s) + H2O(l)
(xi) TIE: MnO2(s) + H+ + Cl- -------> Mn2+ + Cl- + Cl2(g) + H2O(l)
NIE: MnO2(s) + H+ + Cl- -------> Mn2+ + Cl2(g) + H2O(l)
Note that in this case Cl- has to be removed from RHS but not from LHS. If you remove Cl-
from LHS, then where from Cl2(g) is produced in RHS? So in such case, you consider Cl- to be
an unimportant species in the RHS and is to be removed from it. But Cl- is the involved species
in LHS which produces Cl2 in the RHS. So tactfully keep Cl- in LHS and remove from RHS.
Same type of reaction is given in the next question.
(xii) TIE: K+ + Br- + H+ + SO42- -------> K+ + SO42- + Br2(l) + SO2(g) + H2O(l)
NIE: Br- + H+ + SO42- ---------> Br2(l) + SO2(g) + H2O(l)
Here also you found that SO42- has been removed from RHS but not from LHS. It is SO42- of
LHS which has resulted SO2 in the RHS. SO42- is the spectator ion in the RHS and so deleted
from that side.
(xiii) TIE: Cu(s) + H+ + NO3- --------> Cu2+ + NO3- + NO(g) + H2O(l)

NIE: Cu(s) + H+ + NO3- ---------> Cu2+ + NO(g) + H2O(l)
Here also NO3- is deleted from RHS but kept in LHS for the same reason explained before.
(xiv) NIE: Cr2O72- + H+ + NO2- ---------> Cr3+ + NO3- + H2O(l)
(xv) I2(s) + S2O32- ---------> S4O62- + I-
(xv) HI(aq) +HNO2(aq)→ NO(g) + H2O(l) + I2(s)
TIE: H+ + I- + H+ + NO2- ------> NO(g) + H2O(l) + I2(s)
NIE: H+ + I- + NO2- ------> NO(g) + H2O(l) + I2(s)
(xvi) KOH(aq) + KMnO4(aq) → K2MnO4(aq)+ O2 (g) + H2O (l)
NIE: OH- + MnO4- ------> MnO42- + O2 + H2O
4. (i) NaBr(aq) + H2O(l); NIE: H+ + OH- ---------> H2O
(ii) Ca(NO3)2(aq) + H2O; NIE: H+ + OH- ------> H2O
(iii) K2SO4(aq) + H2O(l); NIE: H+ + OH- --------> H2O
(iv) BaCl2(aq) + H2O(l); NIE: H+ + OH- ---------> H2O
(v) MgSO4(aq) + H2O(l); NIE: Mg(OH)2(s) + H+ + -------> Mg2+ + H2O(l)
(vi) Mn3(PO4)2(s) + H2O(l); NIE: MnO(s) + H+ + PO43- -----> Mn3(PO4)2(s)+ H2O(l)
(vii) Al2(SO4)3(aq) + H2O(l); NIE: Al2O3(s) + H+ -----> Al3+ + H2O(l)
(viii) FeBr3(aq) + H2O(l); NIE: Fe(OH)3(s) + H+ -----> Fe3+ + H2O(l)
(ix) NaClO4(aq) + H2O(l); NIE: H+ + OH- ------> H2O
(x) Cr2(SO4)3(aq) + H2O(l); NIE: Cr2O3(s) + H+ ------> Cr3+ + H2O(l)
5. The beginner is advised to calculate by x method.
NaCl: +1(valency of Na is 1), BaF2: -1(valency of F is 1), NH3: -3, H2O: -2, NaH:-1(ON of
H in metallic hydrides is -1), SO3: +6, CO2: +4, P2O3: +3, HClO: +1, MnCl2: +2(valency of
Manganous is 2), As(NO3)3: +3(valency of arsenous is 3), SnSO4:+2(valency of stannous is 2),
Hg2Cl2: +1(valency of mercurous is 1), H 2SO 4: +6, BCl 3: +3, SF 6: +6, HClO 3: +5,
SO32-: +4, S4O 62-: 2.5(note that ON can be a fraction), NH4+: -3, NO3-: +5, NO2-: +3,
H 2CO 3: +4, ClO 2-: +3, K 2Cr 2O 7: +6, Na 2O 2: -1(the ON of oxygen in peroxide is -1),
MnO2: +4, SnCl 4: +4(valency of stannic is 4), FeBr3: +3(valency of ferric iron is 3),
Cu2Cl2: +1(valency of cuprous is 1), NH4NO3: -3 and +5(to be found out seprately, refer SAQ
20), NO: +2, N2O: +1, N2: 0(uncombined state), ZnO: +2(valency of Zn is 2), K2O: +1(valency
of K is 1), Ca(OH)2: +2(valency of Ca is 2), Al: 0(uncombined state), Al2(SO4)3: +3(valency
of Al is 3), OF2: +2(F is -1, so O has to be +2), N2O5 : +5, S2O32-: +2
OCN- : +4(C will lose 3 electrons to N and 1 electron to O); HCN: +2(C will lose 3 electrons to
N and gain 1 electron from H); S2O82-: +6( there are 6 normal oxide and 1 peroxide [S2O6(O2)]2-
, 2x-12-2=-2 ⇒ x =+6); H2SO5: +6 (there are 3 normal oxide and 1 peroxide[SO3(O2)]2-, x-6-2
=-2 ⇒ x = +6) CrO5: +6 (there are 1 normal oxide and two peroxide groups [CrO(O2)2], x-2-
4=0 ⇒ x =+6) KO2 : -1/2 (superoxide) Ni(CO)4: 0(since CO is a neutral molecule) CaS5: -2/5
(since it is a polysulphide ion S52-); [SnS3]2-: -2 ; [Fe(CN)4]4: +2 and +2 respectively(since CN
has -1 charge, ON of C is +2 as C loses 3 electrons to N and gains one electron due to its
negative charge)
XeOF4: +6; NaN3 : -1/3; SCN-: -2; O2F2 : +1; CN-: -3; N3H: -1/3; [Ni(CN)4]2-: +2 (x-4=-2,
CN is taken as -1); [Cr(H2O)4(CN)2]+ : +3 (x-2=+1); C3H8 : -8/3; C6H12O6 : 0 (note that ON
concept is irrelevant for organic compounds although it can be calculated like inorganic compounds);
BrCl3 : +3( Br is less electronegative than Cl); HIO3: +5; H2[SiF6]: +4; CaNCN: +4(C will
lose two electrons to each N) NaCN: +2 (the ON of C in any cyanide ion is +2)
Ca(OCl)Cl : +1 and -1 respectively from OCl- and Cl-( Note that the average ON of Cl in
CaOCl2 is 0 although in reality there are two types of Cl atoms in the molecule); S2O32- : +2 (but
in reality there are two types of S atoms having ON +4 and 0 respectively so that the average
ON is 0. Note that in the structure of thiosulphate ion there is one S-S linkage which breaks
homolytically to make one S acquire 0 state. More you can know when you study the chapter
chemical bonding)
6.(i) K goes from 0(K) to +1(KOH) and is oxidised while H goes from +1(H2O) to 0(H2) and
thus H2O is reduced. OA: H2O and RA: K
(ii) N goes from -3(NH3) to 0(N2), thus NH3 is oxidised, while O goes from 0(O2) to
-2(H2O), thus O2 is reduced. OA: O2 and RA: NH3
(iii) Na goes from 0(Na) to +1(NaNH2), thus Na is oxidised, while H goes from +1(NH3) to
0(H2), thus NH3 is reduced. OA: NH3, RA: Na
(iv) Ca goes from 0 to +2 while H goes from +1 to 0. Thus OA:H2O, RA:Ca
(v) Al goes from 0(Al) to +3(NaAlO2), thus Al is oxidised, while H goes from +1(NaOH) to
0(H2), thus NaOH is reduced. OA: NaOH, RA: Al
(vi) Zn goes from 0(Zn) to +2(ZnSO4), thus Zn is oxidised, while H goes from +1(H2SO4) to
0(H2), thus H2SO4 is reduced. OA: H2SO4, RA: Zn
(vii) Cu goes from +2(CuO) to 0(Cu), thus CuO is reduced while N goes from -3(NH3) to
0(N2), thus NH3 is oxidised. OA: CuO, RA: NH3
(viii) P goes from 0 to +5 while O goes from 0 to -2.OA: O2 and RA: P4
(ix) H goes from 0 to +1 while Cl goes from 0 to -1. OA: Cl2 and RA: H2
(x) O goes from -1(H2O2) to -2(H2O), thus H2O2 is reduced while S goes from -2(H2S) to
0(S), thus H2S is oxidised. OA: H2O2, RA: H2S
(xi) Br goes from -1 to 0 while Cl goes from 0 to -1. OA: Cl2, RA: FeBr3
(xii) I goes from 0(I2) to -1(NaI), thus I2 is reduced while S goes from +2(Na2S2O3) to
2.5(Na2S4O6), thus Na2S2O3 is oxidised. OA: I2, RA: Na2S2O3
(xiii) Sn goes from +2 to +4 while Hg goes from +2 to +1. OA: HgCl2, RA: SnCl2
(xiv) Cu goes from 0(Cu) to +2[Cu(NO3)2], thus Cu is oxidised while N goes from +5(HNO3)
to +4(NO2), thus HNO3 is reduced. OA: HNO3, RA: Cu
(xv) Mn goes from +7(KMnO4) to +2(MnSO4), thus KMnO4 is reduced while Fe goes from
+2(FeSO4) to +3[Fe2(SO4)3], thus FeSO4 is oxidised. OA: KMnO4, RA: FeSO4
(xvi) Cr goes from +6(K2Cr2O7) to +3[Cr2(SO4)3], thus K2Cr2O7 is reduced, while S goes
from -2(H2S) to 0(S), thus H2S is oxidised. OA: K2Cr2O7, RA: H2S
7. Only the changes in ON have been given. The reader is to assign the OA and RA.
(i) Fe from +3 to 0 and C from +2 to +4
(ii) I from 0 to -1 and S from +2 to +2.5
(iii) Fe from +3 to +2, O from -1 to 0
(iv) Cl from +1 to -1, I from -1 to 0
(v) Pb from +4 to +2, Br from -1 to 0
(vi) N from +5 to -3(NH4+ in NH4NO3), Zn from 0 to +2

(vii) N from -3(NH4+) to +1, N from +5(NO3-) to +1(N2O).
In this case same substance(NH4NO3) is oxidised as well as reduced. OA and RA are not
assigned to such redox reactions. These are called disproportionation reactions. We shall
study about this later.
(viii) N from +5 to +4, O from -2 to 0. Same as (vii):disproportionation
(ix) P from 0 to +5, S from +6 to +4.
(x) Cl from 0 to -1(NaCl), Cl from 0 to +5(NaClO 3 ). same as above:
disproportionation
8. (i) S from -2 to 0 and N from +5 to +2.
(ii) Zn from 0 to +2 and N from +5 to -3 (NH4+)
(iii) Mn from +2 to +7(HMnO4) and Pb from +4 to +2.
(iv) Mn from +7 to +2 and Cl from -1 to 0.
(v) C from +3(K2C2O4) to +4 and Cr from +6 to +3.
(vi) N from +5 to +2 and I from -1 to 0.
(vii) N from -3 to +2 and O from 0 to -2.
(viii) Cu from +2 to 0 and N from -3 to 0.
(ix) S from +4 to 0 and S from -2 to 0.
(x) N from +5 to +3 and O from -2 to 0.
(xi) Cl from +5 to -1 and O from -2 to 0.
(xii) N from +5 to +4 and O from -2 to 0.
(xiii) Zn from 0 to +2 and H from +1 to 0.
(xiv) Cl from +5 to +4(ClO2) and O from -2 to 0.
(xv) Sn from 0 to +4 and N from +5 to +4.
(xvi) I from 0 to +5 and N from +5 to +4.
(xvii) S from +6 to +4 and Br from -1 to 0.
(xviii) P from +5 to 0 and C from 0 to +2.
(xix) Na from 0 to +1 and H from +1 to 0.
(xx) O from -1 to -2 and S from -2 to 0.
(xxi) Cr from +3 to +6 and O from -1(Na2O2) to -2.
(xxii) O from 0 to -2 and Hg from 0 to +1.
(xxiii) Fe from +2 to +3 and O from 0 to -2.
(xxiv) Br from +5 to 0 and Br from -1 to 0.
(xxv) Mn from +7 to +6(K2MnO4) and +4(MnO2), two reductions, O from -2 to 0.
Note that a redox reaction can have more than one oxidation and reduction reaction, but at least
one of each type of reaction has to be there.
(xxvi) Mn from +2 to +4 and O from -1(peroxydisulphate= [S2O6(O2)]2-) to -2
(xxvii) Zn from 0 to +2 and H from +1 to -1
(xxviii) Cl from +4 to +3 and O from -1 to 0
(xxix) N from -2 to 0 and Br from +5 to -1
(xxx) Cu from +2 to +1 and I from -1 to 0
(xxxi) Fe from 0 to +-8/3 and H from +1 to 0
(xxxii) O from -1 to 0 and Cl from +1 to -1
BALANCING CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

Balancing of an equation means placing suitable coefficients before the reactants and products
so that the number of atoms of every element in the LHS is same as that in the RHS.
Example: Al(OH)3 + H2SO4 -------> Al2(SO4)3 + H2O (not balanced)
2Al(OH)3 + 3H2SO4 -------> Al2(SO4)3 + 3H2O (balanced)
The second equation is balanced, because there are same number of Al atoms, same number
of O, H and S atoms on the two sides.
Metathesis reactions: You already know that a metathesis reaction is that reaction in
which no change in ON takes place for any element. The balancing of such reaction is done
by hit and trial or the inspection method.
(1) Hit and Trial Method (Inspection Method)
To balance a metathesis reaction (reaction in which ONs are not changed) such as double
replacement reaction of the type shown before in the previous section is very easy. This is
done by hit and trial (inspection) method. Mere looking at both the sides gives us clue as to
what coefficients are to be placed before the reactants and products to get a balanced
equation. Answer the following SAQs.
SAQ 1: Balance the following reactions:
(i) Ca(OH)2 + H3PO4 ---------> Ca3(PO4)2 + H2O
(ii) ZnO + H2SO4 -------> ZnSO4 + H2O
(iii) FeCl2 + H2S -------> FeS + HCl
(iv) P2O5 + H2O -------> H3PO4
(v) NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2--------> CaCl2 + NH3 + H2O
REDOX REACTIONS:
As you must have realised that balancing metathesis reactions( double replacement
type) requires no special technique. Only hit and trial method (inspection) solves the purpose.
However it is often difficult to balance a redox equation by hit and trial method. It is very
much time consuming particularly for complicated reactions and moreover there is a possibility
of arriving at a wrong balanced equation in hit and trial method. Therefore hit and trial
method is not recommended for such reactions. For simple redox reactions, hit and trial
method is a good choice. The following examples will illustrate the point.
Na + H2SO4 -------> Na2SO4 +H2 (not balanced)
2Na + H2SO4 -------> Na2SO4 +H2 (balanced)
N2 + H2 --------> NH3 (not balanced)
N2 + 3H2 --------> 2NH3 (balanced)
P4 + Cl2 --------> PCl5 (not balanced)
P4 + 10Cl2 --------> 4PCl5 (balanced)
However it is difficult to balance other redox equations which are not simple type as shown
above. The following examples will explain this.
4NH3 + 5O2 --------> 4NO + 6H2O
No doubt one can balance the above equation by hit and trial method, but it is time taking.
We therefore discuss a new method called Oxidation Number(ON) method to balance
redox equations.
(2) OXIDATION NUMBER(ON) METHOD:

Let us take the following examples:
+2 -3 0 0
(i) CuO + NH3 N2 + Cu + H2O
In this equation we find that the ON of Cu goes from +2 to 0. So what is the change in ON
that the oxidising agent(CuO) has undergone? . It is |+2-0|=2. This 2 is placed as the
coefficient before the reducing agent NH3. Note that change is merely the magnitude of
difference between the two ONs.
CuO + 2NH3 N2 + Cu + H2O

Look to the first equation. The ON of N goes from -3 to 0. What is the change of ON that
the reducing agent has undergone? It is |-3-0| =3. This 3 is placed as coefficient before the
oxidising agent CuO.
3 CuO + 2NH3 N2 + Cu + H2O
After that, it becomes damn easy to balance by hit and trial method. We have to place 3
before Cu in RHS to equalise Cu. To equalise H we have to place 3 before H2O in RHS,and
by doing so we find that the O is automatically balanced.
3 CuO + 2NH3 N2 + 3 Cu + 3 H2O
The beauty of this method is that while balancing for the last but one element, the last
element is automatically balanced. In the above example, we found that while balancing for
H, oxygen atoms were automatically balanced. Let us look to another example.
(ii) NH3 + O2 --------> NO + H2O
(R)
-3 0 +2 -2
NH3 + O2 NO + H2O
(O)
In this case we found that the change in ON in the RA(NH3) is |-3-(+2)|=5, so 5 is placed as
coefficient before OA(O2)
NH3 + 5 O2 --------> NO + H2O
Look again to the original equation. O goes from 0 to -2. The change is |0-2|=2. This change is
for one oxygen atom. But the OA contains two O atoms(O2), so the total change is 2X2=4.
Thus 4 is placed as coefficient before the RA(NH3). Note that in NH3 there is one N atom, so
the net change is 5. But in O2 there are two O atoms, so the total change is not 2, it is 4.
4NH3 + 5O2 --------> NO + H2O
After this, it becomes extremely easy task to balance by inspection. 4 is to be placed before NO
in RHS to equalise N on both sides. To equalise H, we have to place 6 before H2O. In doing so
we find that O is automatically balanced(10 on either side).
4NH3 + 5O2 --------> 4NO + 6H2O
Now let us know a few rules for balancing an equation by ON method.
RULES FOR BALANCING BY ON METHOD:

(i) First the ON of the atoms undergoing oxidation-reduction are found out and placed
above the respective atoms.
(ii) The total change of ON in the OA is placed as the coefficient before RA and the total
change of ON in RA is placed as coefficient before OA.
(iii) Then hit and trial procedure is adopted to balance the equation.
Another example is given below for a better understanding.

Cl2 + NH3 -------> HCl + N2
0 -3 -1 0
Cl2 + NH3 HCl + N 2 ( Cl2 is the OA and NH3 is RA)
The change in ON of one Cl =|0-(-1)| =1
For two Cl atoms present in the OA, the total change in ON =2, so 2 is placed as coefficient
before NH3(RA).
Cl2 + 2NH3 -------> HCl + N2
The change in ON of in RA(NH3) = |-3-0| = 3. Since there is one N atom in the RA, the total
change of ON in the OA is also 3, so 3 is placed as coefficient before Cl2(OA)
3Cl2 + 2NH3 -------> HCl + N2
(Note that for the purpose of finding out the total change in ON, the number of atoms present in
products i.e RHS is not considered. As for example we have N2 in RHS, but we do not make the
total change 3X2=6 for N atoms to place before Cl2. Since NH3 has one N atom, the change is
3. For that purpose, only the reactant side, i.e LHS is considered)
After that, mere hit and trial (inspection) completes the process of balancing in a second. 6 to be
placed before HCl to equalise Cl and by that we see that H is automatically balanced (6H on
either side).
3Cl2 + 2NH3 -------> 6HCl + N2 (Balanced equation)
SAQ 2: Balance the following by ON method.

(i) KI + H2SO4 ---------> I2 + K2SO4 + H2S + H2O
(ii) I2 + HNO3 ---------> HIO3 + NO2 + H2O
(iii) Cu + HNO3 ------->Cu(NO3)2 + NO + H2O
(3) PARTIAL EQUATION METHOD:

Let us now learn another simple method to balance a redox reaction. This is applicable particularly
when the oxidising agents (OA) are KMnO4, K2Cr2O7, HNO3, H2SO4 etc.
Let us take the reaction
KMnO4 + H2SO4 + FeSO4 --------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O

It is a tough task to balance this big equation by hit and trial method. We can balance this
equation by ON method as we have just now learnt. But there is another simpler method to
balance this type of equation. This is called partial equation method. In this method, the
OA(KMnO4) is split into a few smaller fragments.
KMnO4 ---------> K2O + MnO + [O]
KMnO4 breaks down to oxide of potassium, oxide of manganese (ous) and nascent oxygen[O].
The nascent means freshly born. That means this nascent oxygen is now born freshly to die in
the second step. Note that all the three smaller fragments that are produced from the OA will die
i.e will be used up in the subsequent steps. So that we write a few steps or partial equations.
Note that in each step, the equation has to be balanced by hit and trial method. Then we
shall perform algebraic operation to add all the partial equations. We shall thus cancel those
species which are used i.e which appear in both LHS and RHS by doing algebraic manipulations
and finally get the balanced equation of the original reaction. Let us look to the following equations.
(a) Reactions involving KMnO4
Reactions involving KMnO4 and K2Cr2O7 often take place in presence of an acid, preferably
H2SO4. In the example below, FeSO4 (ferrous sulphate) reacts with acidified KMnO4 to produce
a mixture of potassium sulphate, manganous sulphate, ferric sulphate and water. We know that
here FeSO4 is the reducing agent (RA) and KMnO4 is the oxidising agent(OA).
Let us balance the following reaction by partial equation method.
KMnO4 + H2SO4 + FeSO 4 K 2SO4 + MnSO 4 + Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O
2 KMnO4 K2O + 2 MnO + 5 [O] (Step 1)

K2O + H2SO4 K2SO4 + H2O (Step 2)
2 X MnO + H2SO4 MnSO4 + H2O (Step 3)
5 X 2 FeSO 4+ H2SO 4 + [O} Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O (Step 4)
2 KMnO4 + 8 H2SO4+10FeSO4 K2SO4 + 2 MnSO 4 +5 Fe2(SO4)3 + 8 H2O
(balanced equation)
In this the fragments K2O and MnO produced in the first step are consumed in the second and
third step by reacting with the acid(H2SO4) present in the medium to produce salt and water. In
the fourth step FeSO4(RA) is oxidised to Fe2(SO4)3 by nascent oxygen. Remember that whenever
FeSO4 is oxidised to Fe2(SO4)3, it takes the help of H2SO4. Otherwise the equation cannot be
balanced. Note that before adding all the step equations, we have to see that each individual step
equation is balanced. While adding the four steps, K2O gets cancelled. To cancel 2MnO from
RHS we have to multiply the whole equation of step(3) by 2. Likewise to cancel 5[O] from
RHS, we have to multiply the whole equation of step(4) by 5. After cancellation of K2O, 2MnO
and 5[O] from both the sides, all the species of LHS and RHS are added separately and written
below. Further simplification of this equation, if required, is done like algebraic equation. If H2O
appears on both the sides, then it is removed from one side and excess H2O is only written on the
other side. Similarly any other species, if appears both in LHS and RHS is brought to one side.
Let us take another example on KMnO4.
(ii)
KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2S K 2SO4 + MnSO 4 + S + H2O
2 KMnO4 K 2O + 2 MnO + 5 [O] (Step 1)

K2O + H2SO4 K 2SO4 + H2O (Step 2)
2 X MnO + H2SO4 MnSO 4 + H2O (Step 3)
5X H2S + [O] S + H2O (Step 4)
2 KMnO 4 +3H2SO 4 H2S
+5 K 2SO4 + 2 MnSO 4 + 5 S + 8 H2O
(balanced equation)
In this case, the first three steps are same as the first example. Only the forth step is different.
The RA is H2S in this case which is oxidised to S. You can always look at the RHS of the original
equation to know what would be the products of each step. While adding the four steps, K2O,
2MnO and 5[O] are cancelled by suitable algebraic manipulations and we get the balanced
equation.
Do you think, that you could have balanced these equations by hit and trial method easily? The
answer is NO. So to conclude, we say that a redox reaction is balanced either by ON method
described before or partial equation method described just now. Note that the partial equation
method is merely a simple technique devised to balance a complex equation in a simple and
economical manner. The actual reaction does not take place in the successive steps as discussed
before. There is nothing called nascent oxygen in this reaction. The nascent atom concept in the
solution is very primitive and has been outdated. The redox reactions truly take place by the loss
and gain of electrons and not by way of the generation of nascent oxygen atoms. But students
are advised to follow this technique to get the balanced equations easily.
(b) Reactions involving K2Cr2O7
K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + SO2 K 2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + H2SO4 + H2O
K2Cr2O7 K 2O + Cr2O3 + 3 [O] (Step 1)

K2O + H2SO4 K 2SO4 + H2O (Step 2)
Cr2O3 + 3H2SO4 Cr2(SO4)3 +3H2O (Step 3)
3 X SO2 + [O] SO3 (Step 4)
3 X SO3 + H2O H2SO4 (Step 5)
K2Cr2O7 + 4 H2SO4 + 3 SO2 K 2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 +3H2SO4 + H2O
K2Cr2O7 + 3SO 2 + H2SO4 K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + H2O
In this case K2Cr2O7 is broken into three fragments namely K2O, Cr2O3 and nascent oxygen.
This equation is immediately balanced. Then in step 2 and step 3, the oxides of K and Cr react
with H2SO4 present in the medium to produce the respective salt and water. In step 4, SO2(RA)
reacts with nascent oxgyen[O] to produce SO3. But SO3 is unstable. It immediately reacts with
H2O in the step 5 to produce the corresponding acid, H2SO4. So we find that H2SO4 was used
as a reactant and it is formed also in the product. So we add the five steps by multiplying suitable
coefficients (3) to the step equations 4 and 5, to cancel 3[O] and 3SO3 from the two sides. K2O
and Cr2O3 are also cancelled as such. On addition it gives an equation, which carries H2O and
H2SO4 on either side. So we have to simplify further to get the balanced equation. We find that
in the net balanced equation, H2SO4 has been wiped out from RHS. Don't worry for that. At
times, it happens like that at the last step of simplification.
SAQ 3: Show which is oxidised and which reduced by assigning ONs. Also balance the
equations by partial equation methods.
(i)KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2C2O4 -----------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + CO2 + H2O
(ii)K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + H2O2 ----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + O2 + H2O
(c) Reactions involving HNO3:
Equations involving HNO3 can also be balanced by partial equation method. Let us take an
example.
HNO3 + Cu -------> Cu(NO3)2 + N2O + H2O
We can balance this equation by Oxidation Number Method as explained before. In partial
equation method, HNO3(OA) is broken down to small fragments i.e an oxide of nitrogen (in this
case N2O), H2O and nascent oxygen[O]. While breaking HNO3, the student is advised to look to
the RHS to know which oxide of nitrogen is to be written.
HNO3 ------> N2O + H2O + [O]
Let us immediately balance it and use [O] to react with Cu(RA) in the second step to give CuO.
Again since the medium is acidic(HNO3), CuO being a basic substance reacts with the acid to
produce salt and water. The partial equations are added up and nascent oxygen atoms are
cancelled to get the balanced equation.
2HNO3 ---------> N2O + H2O + 4[O] (i)
4X [Cu + [O] --------> CuO] (ii) (4 Multiplied to cancel 4[O])
4X [CuO + 2HNO3 -------> Cu(NO3)2 + H2O](iii) (4 multiplied to cancel 4CuO)
_____________________________________
4 Cu + 10HNO3 ------> N2O + 4Cu(NO3)2 + 5H2O` (balanced equation)
Note that the oxide of nitrogen produced in reactions involving HNO3 depends on the type of
HNO3 used. The following gives a list of products formed from HNO3.
Conc. HNO3: NO 2
Moderately concentrated HNO3 : NO
Dilute HNO3: N2O or N2
Very dilute HNO3: NH3( NH3 + HNO3 ------> NH4NO3)
This means that concentrated HNO3 forms nitrogen dioxide gas(NO2), moderately concentrated
HNO3 forms nitric oxide(NO), dilute HNO3 forms nitrous oxide(N2O) or nitrogen(N2) and very
dilute HNO3 first forms NH3 which reacts with HNO3 to form ammonium nitrate(NH4NO3). In
the example given above, the nitric acid used must be dilute as the oxide of nitrogen produced is
nitrous oxide(N2O)
For the purpose of balancing, you do not have to bother all about this. You can know
what is the product just by looking to RHS of a given equation.
SAQ 4: Balance the following by partial equation method.
(i) HNO3 + Zn -------> NH4NO3 + Zn(NO3)2 + H2O
(ii) HNO3 + Mg -------> Mg(NO3)2 + NO + H2O
(d) Reactions involving conc. H2SO4

Reactions involving concentrated H2SO4 can also be balanced by partial equation method.
H2SO4 is broken into SO2 gas, H2O and nascent oxgyen[O]. The process is similar to the
balancing discussed for HNO3 above. Let us take an example.
Cu + H2SO4(conc) -------> CuSO4 + SO2 + H2O
H2SO4 ------> SO2 + H2O + [O] (i)

Cu + [O] -----> CuO (ii) ([O] is cancelled)
CuO + H2SO4 ------> CuSO4 + H2O (iii) (CuO is cancelled)
____________________________________
Cu + 2 H2SO4 --------> CuSO4 + SO2 + 2 H2O (balanced equation)
SAQ 5: Balance the following by partial equation method.
Al + H2SO4(conc.) ---------> Al2(SO4)3 + SO2 + H2O
IMPORTANT: After balancing an equation by any method, check whether the balancing
is correct or not by tallying two sides(LHS and RHS) element by element and atom by
atom. If you find that somewhere it is not tallying, then you have done the steps somewhere
wrong. In such case you revise again to detect your mistake.
(4) ION-ELECTRON METHOD:
This is another interesting technique of balancing redox reactions. This is applied to the ionic
equations(not molecular equations). So if a molecular equation is given to you, first you have to
find the net ionic equation from it and then balance the ionic equation by this technique. Then you
can balance the molecular equation by looking to the coefficients in the balanced ionic equation.
Do you remember how to find the net ionic equation from a molecular equation that you have
studied before?
Example-1
KMnO4(aq) + H2SO4(aq) + FeSO4(aq) ------> K2SO4(aq) + MnSO4(aq) + Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + H2O(l)
Net ionic equation: MnO4- + H+ + Fe2+ -------------> Mn2+ + Fe3+ + H2O
Now the job is to balance this ionic equation. There are rules which we have to follow for doing
that. Carefully read the following.
(A) Acidic Medium

The following rules are applicable for reactions carried out in acidic medium. If you find H+ ion
present either in LHS or RHS, then the reaction has definitely been carried out in acidic medium
and in such case, you follow this method.
MnO4- + H+ + Fe2+ -------------> Mn2+ + Fe3+ + H2O
From this you separate the reduction and oxidation processes by taking one reactant and the
corresponding product from the net ionic equation at a time. Build up two separate step equations,
one for reduction and the other for oxidation. Then add the two to get the balanced ionic equation.
In the above reaction, MnO4-(LHS) has been reduced to Mn2+(RHS). Can you not say that the
ON of Mn changes from +7 to +2 in this case.? Copy the reduction step from the original
equation as follows.
Reduction step:
MnO4- ---------> Mn2+
Rules:
(i) Equalise the number of atoms other than O and H on both sides by placing
suitable coefficient.
In the above example the number of Mn atoms on either side is same (one). So we will not place
any coefficient on any side.
(ii) Count how many O atoms are in excess in any particular side and add same
number of H2O molecules on the opposite side.
In the above example, four O atoms are in excess in LHS, so we have to add 4 H2O
molecules in RHS.
MnO4- ---------> Mn2+ + 4H2O
(iii) Now count how many H atoms are in excess in any particular side and add same
number of H+ ions on the opposite side.
In this case there are 8 H atoms excess in RHS. So we have to add 8 H+ ions in LHS.
MnO4- + 8 H + ---------> Mn2+ + 4H2O
(iv) Then we have to equalise the charge on both sides by adding electrons. Note
that while you add one electron to a particular side, charge-wise it is -1, as
electron carries one unit of negative charge.
In this case, the total charge in LHS is +7( -1 for MnO4- and +8 for eight H+) and the total charge
in RHS is +2(from one Mn2+). So we have to add 5 electrons in LHS so as to equalise the charge
on both sides to +2.
MnO4- + 8 H + + 5e- ---------> Mn2+ + 4H2O
Thus we have completed balancing of the reduction step. Note that in the reduction step, electrons
appear in LHS as reduction is the process in which electron is gained.
Let us take the oxidation step.
Oxidation Step:
In the above example Fe2+ has been oxidised to Fe3+. Let us write that.
Fe2+ --------> Fe3+
Since the number of Fe atoms is same on either side, we do not have to put any coefficient on
any side. Since there is no O and H atoms on any side, the addition of H2O and H+ ions are not
to be done. Thus rules (i), (ii) and (iii) are not applicable in this case. Only we shall apply the last
rule(iv), i.e equalisation of charge by adding electrons. In this case one electron has to be added
in the RHS to equalise the charge on both sides(+2).
Fe2+ --------> Fe3+ + e-
Thus we found that in oxidation process, electron appears in RHS as oxidation is the process
in which electron is lost.
Now we have to add the two steps (reduction and oxidation) and cancel the electrons from both
the sides by doing suitable algebraic manipulations and get the balanced ionic equation.
MnO4- + 8 H+ + 5e----------> Mn2+ + 4H2O
5X [Fe2+ -------------------> Fe3+ + e-] (5e are cancelled on both sides)
_______________________________________________________________
MnO4- + 8H+ + 5Fe2+ -------->Mn2+ + 5Fe3+ + 4 H2O (balanced equation)

Now you can check whether the balancing is correct or not by tallying two sides(LHS and RHS)
element-wise, atom-wise and charge-wise. If you find that somewhere it is not tallying,then you
have done the steps somewhere wrong. In such case you revise again to detect your mistake.
Balancing of the molecular equation from balanced ionic equation:
Now we can balance the original molecular equation by looking to the coefficients of the balanced
ionic equation.
KMnO4 + 4 H2SO4 + 5 FeSO4 → MnSO4 + 1/2 K2SO4 + 5/2 Fe2(SO4)3 + 4 H2O
We needed 8 H+ ions, so we placed the coefficient 4 with H2SO4. We needed 5 Fe3+, so we
placed the coefficient 5/2 with Fe2(SO4)3. In this way the whole equation is balanced. In order
to eliminate fraction in the balanced equation, the factor 2 is multiplied throughout the equation(both
LHS and RHS).
2KMnO4 + 8H2SO4 + 10 FeSO4 → 2MnSO4 + K2SO4 + 5 Fe2(SO4)3 + 8 H2O
Example 2 :
Let us balance the ionic equation: Cr2O72- + H+ + NO2- --------> Cr3+ + NO3- + H2O
first and after that balance the molecular equation
K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + KNO2 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + KNO3 + H2O
In this reaction, the ON of Cr changes from +6 to +3 and N from +3 to +5. Check by x method
of finding the ON. So Cr2O72- is reduced to Cr3+ and NO2- has been oxidised to NO3-.
Reduction step:
Cr2O72- -------> Cr3+
First we have to equalise Cr atoms by placing 2 before Cr3+ in RHS
Cr2O72- -------> 2Cr3+
Since there are 7 O atoms excess in LHS, we have to add 7 H2O molecules in RHS.
Cr2O72- -------> 2Cr3+ + 7 H2O
Now there are 14 H atoms excess in RHS, we have to add 14 H+ ions in LHS.
Cr2O72- + 14 H+-------> 2Cr3+ + 7 H2O
LHS contains +12 charge(-2+14) and RHS contains +6(2X3) charge. So we have to add
6 electrons on LHS to equalise the charge on both sides(+6).
Cr2O72- + 14 H+ + 6e--------> 2Cr3+ + 7 H2O
Oxidation step:
NO2- has been oxidised to NO3-. Let us write them and apply the same set of rules for balancing
them.
NO2- ----------> NO3-
N atoms are same in number, so we do not have to do anything. There is one excess O atom in
RHS, so we have to add one H2O molecule in LHS.
NO2- + H2O ----------> NO3-
By doing so, now 2 H atoms are in excess in LHS, and so we have to add 2 H+ ions in RHS.
NO2- + H2O ----------> NO3- + 2 H+
Now equalisation of charge is made by adding 2 electrons in the RHS, so that the net charge is
-1 on both the sides.
NO2- + H2O ----------> NO3- + 2 H+ + 2e-
Now we have to add the two steps and cancel the electrons.
Cr2O72- + 14 H+ + 6e--------> 2Cr3+ + 7 H2O

3X [NO2- + H2O ----------> NO3- + 2 H+ + 2e-] ( electrons get cancelled)
________________________________________________________
Cr2O72- + 14 H+ + 3NO2- + 3H2O ---------->2Cr3+ + 3NO3- + 6H+ +7H2O
We can further simplify by taking H2O and H+ to one side.
Cr2O72- + 8 H+ + 3NO2- ---------->2Cr3+ + 3NO3- +4 H2O (balanced equation)
Balancing of the molecular equation from balanced ionic equation;

In the same manner as we did for the previous example, we can balance the molecular equaiton
by looking to the coefficents of balanced ionic equation.
K2Cr2O7 + 4 H2SO4 + 3 KNO2 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3 KNO3 + 4 H2O
Example 3 :
Cu2O + H+ + NO3- ----------> Cu2+ + NO + H2O
First identity which is reduced and which is oxidised. Cu2O is oxidised to Cu2+ as the ON of Cu
increases from +1(Cu2O) to +2 in Cu2+. NO3- is reduced to NO as the ON of N is decreased
from +5(NO3-) to +2(NO).So let us start with oxidation step. Note that you can start from any
step you like, not necessarily always with reduction or oxidation.
Oxidation step:
Cu2O ---------> Cu2+
Equalise the Cu atoms by placing the coefficient 2 in RHS.
Cu2O ----------> 2Cu2+

Then addition of water is to be done. Since one O atom is in excess in LHS, one H2O
molecule is to be added in RHS.
Cu2O ----------> 2Cu2+ + H2O
Now since 2 H atoms are in excess in RHS, we have to add 2H+ in LHS.
Cu2O + 2 H+ ----------> 2Cu2+ + H2O
Finally equalisation of charge is done by adding 2 electrons in the RHS, so that charge on either
side becomes +2.
Cu2O + 2 H+ ----------> 2Cu2+ + H2O +2e-
Thus we found that in the oxidation step, electron has appeared in RHS.
Reduction step:
NO3- ----------> NO
Since N atoms are same on either side(one), we start by adding 2H2O molecules on RHS as
there are two excess O atoms in LHS.
NO3- ----------> NO + 2 H2O
Now we have to add 4H+ ions in LHS as there are 4 excess H atoms in RHS.
NO3- + 4 H+ ----------> NO + 2 H2O
Charge is made equal by adding 3 electron on LHS, so that the net charge is zero on either
side.We find that in reduction step, electron appears in the LHS.
NO3- + 4 H+ + 3e-----------> NO + 2 H2O
Then we have to add the two steps. Let us copy two steps again one above the other.
3X [Cu2O + 2 H+ ----------> 2Cu2+ + H2O +2e-

2X [NO3- + 4 H+ + 3e-----------> NO + 2 H2O] (6 electrons are cancelled)
__________________________________
3Cu2O + 14H+ + 2 NO3- --------> 6Cu2+ + 2NO + 7 H2O (balanced equation)
Balanced molecular equation: 3Cu2O+2KNO3+7H2SO4---->6CuSO4+K2SO4+ 2NO+7H2O.
Let us see how we can balance a redox reaction taking place in basic(alkaline) medium. Note
that a redox reaction can take place either in acidic medium as discussed before or in in
basic(alkaline) medium.
(B) Basic or Alkaline Medium:
Let us take one example to understand the rules.
Br2(l) + KIO3(aq) + KOH(aq) --------> KBr(aq) + KIO4(aq) + H2O(l)
Find the net ionic equation as you were doing before by cancelling the spectator ions.
Net ionic equation: Br2 + IO3- + OH- ---------> Br- + IO4- + H2O
Br2( ON=0) is reduced to Br (ON=-1), while IO3- (ON of I=+5)is oxidiesd to IO4-(ON of I=+7)
-
0 +5 - +7 -
- -
Br2 + IO3 + OH Br + IO4 + H2O
This reaction has been carried out in alkaline medium as we find OH- in LHS. Note that in
alkaline medium, OH - has to appear either in LHS or RHS.
Rules:
Let us take the oxidation step first and see the rules which are to be applied.
Oxidation step:
IO3- --------> IO4-

(i) Equalise the element other than H and O by placing suitable coefficient as you did
in acidic medium. In this case number of I atoms is same on both the sides.
(ii) Count how many O atoms are in excess in a particular side and add same number of
H2O molecules on the opposite side. This is same as the rule (ii) for balancing in acidic medium.
In this case one O atom is in excess in RHS, so we have to add one H2O molecule in LHS.
IO3- + H2O --------> IO4-
(iii) Count how many H atoms are in excess in a particular side. Add same number of
OH- ions on the same side and same number of H2O molecules on the opposite side.
In this case, LHS contains 2 excess H atoms, so we have to add 2 OH- ions on LHS and 2 H2O
molecules on RHS.
IO3- + H2O + 2OH- --------> IO4- + 2 H2O
Note that in the alkaline medium H2O is added two times, in rule (ii) and (iii).
(iv)Finally equalisation of charge is made by adding electrons to a particular side exactly in the
same way as in acidic medium.
IO3- + H2O + 2OH- --------> IO4- + 2 H2O +2e-
So the charge on either side becomes -3.
Let us now take the reduction step and apply the same rules to it.
Reduction step:
Br2 ------->Br -
Applying the first rule, we place coefficient 2 in RHS to equalise Br atom.
Br2 -------> 2 Br -
Rules (ii) and (iii) are not applicable in this case as there is no H and O. So we straightway come
to rule(iv) i.e equalisation of charge.
Br2 + 2e- ---------> 2 Br-
Now the charge on either side becomes -2.
Finally two steps are added and electrons are cancelled.
IO3- + H2O + 2OH- --------> IO4- + 2 H2O +2e-
Br2 + 2e- ---------> 2 Br- (2 electrons are cancelled)
______________________________________
IO3- + Br2 + 2OH- + H2O ------->IO4- + 2Br - + 2H2O
On further simplification, we get,
IO3- + Br2 + 2OH- ------->IO4- + 2Br- + H2O (balanced ionic equation)
Balancing of the molecular equation from balanced ionic equation:
KIO3 + Br2 + 2KOH → KIO4 + 2 KBr + H2O
Try the following SAQ in alkaline medium.
SAQ 6: Deduce the net ionic equation and balance the ionic equation by ion-electron method.
K2CrO4(aq) + Cu2O(s) + H2O(l) --------> Cu(OH)2(s) + KCrO2(aq) + KOH(aq)
ELECTRON BALANCE DIAGRAMME METHOD

This is the alternative method of balancing by oxidation number(ON) method. Whenever the
usual ON method as explained before fails while balancing an equation, this method is adopted.
In this case, the procedure is similar to balancing by ion-electron method discussed just before.
By this method, we can know the coefficients of both LHS and RHS species which we cannot
know by the usual ON method discussed earlier.
Example:
Cl2 + NaOH → NaCl + NaClO3 + H2O
(i) First assign the ON of atoms undergoing changes.
(ii) Select only the atoms(not the molecule or ion) of each side with their ONs which
suffer change and develop oxidation and reduction steps as you did in ion-electron method.
Here addition of H+, OH- or H2O is not done.
0 +5
Oxidation : Cl Cl
0 -1
Reduction: Cl Cl
(iii) Balance the charge on the two sides of each equation by adding required number of
electrons(e-) on one of the sides as we did in the last step for balancing by ion-electron
method. Then add the two equations by cancelling the electrons from both the equation.
Thus we get the electron- balance diagramme.
0 +5 -1
Cl Cl + 5 e
0 -1
-1
Cl + e Cl X 5
0 +5 -1
6 Cl Cl + 5 Cl (electron balance diagramme)
(iv) Now we have to balance the molecular equation by looking to the coefficients in the
electron balance diagramme. Let us develop a part balanced molecular equation from
this.
3 Cl2 -------> NaClO3 + 5 NaCl
Then the total equation can be balanced by mere inspection.
3 Cl2 + 6 NaOH ------> NaClO3 + 5 NaCl + 3 H2O
SAQ 7: Balance by electron-balance diagramme technique of ON method.
(i) K2Cr2O7 + HCl ------> KCl + CrCl3 + Cl2 + H2O
(ii) FeS2 + O2 -----> Fe2O3 + SO2
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Balance the following ionic equations by ion-electron method. Wherever
necessary add H2O molecule in the equation.
(i) NO3- + Fe2+ + H+ -------> Fe3+ + NO2 + H2O
(ii) NH3 + MnO4- + OH- ---------> MnO2 + NO2
(iii) Fe3+ + H2O2 -------> Fe2+ + O2 (acidic medium)
iv) Cr(OH)2 + I2 + OH- --------> Cr(OH)3 + I-
(v) C2O42- + H+ + Cr2O72- --------> CO2 + Cr3+ + H2O
(vi) MnO4- + H+ + I- ------> Mn2+ + I2 + H2O
(vii) S2O32- + I2 --------> S4O62- + I-
(viii) OCl- + H+ + I- ---------> I2 + Cl-
(ix) Cl2 + IO3- ----> IO4- + Cl- (alkaline medium)
2. Balance the following by Oxidation Number method.

(i)NH3 + O2 -----------> NO + H2O
(ii)H2S + SO2 ----------> S + H2O
(iii)Fe2O3 + CO -----------> Fe + CO2
(iv)SnCl2 + O2 + HCl ----------------> SnCl4 + H2O
(v)NaClO3 + KI + HCl -------------> NaCl + I2 + KCl + H2O
(vi)SbCl5 + KI ---------> SbCl3 + I2 + KCl
(vii)NaPO3 + BrF3 ---------------> NaPF6 + Br2 + O2
(viii)Sn + HNO3 --------------> SnO2 + NO + H2O
(ix)Cr2O3 + HNO3 + Na2CO3 ----------> Na2CrO4 + CO2 + HNO2
(x) Cu + HNO3 ----------> Cu(NO3)2 + N2O + H2O
(xi)Cu + HNO3 --------> Cu(NO3)2 + NO + H2O
(xii)BaCrO4 + KI + HCl ----------------> BaCl2 + I2 + KCl + CrCl3 + H2O
(xiii)Ca3(PO4)2 + SiO2 + C -----------> CaSiO3 + P4 + CO
(xiv)Zn + HNO3 -------------> Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + H2O
(xv)K2Cr2O7 + KI + H2SO4 -----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 +I2 +H2O
(xvi)KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2S -------------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + S + H2O
(xvii)Cl2 + KIO3 + KOH --------------> KCl + KIO4 + H2O
(xviii)N2H4 + KBrO3 → N2 + KBr + H2O
(xix)Sn + NaOH -------> Na2SnO3 + H2
(xx)Al + NaOH ------> NaAlO2 + H2
3. Balance the following by partial equation method.

(i) KMnO4 + H2SO4 + HI ----------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + I2 + H2O
(ii) KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2O2 ----------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + O2 + H2O
(iii) KMnO4 + H2SO4 + KNO2 ----------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + KNO3 + H2O
(iv) KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2S ----------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + S + H2O
(v) KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2C2O4 ----------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + CO2+ H2O
(vi) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + HI ----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + I2 + H2O
(vii) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 +H2O2 ----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + O2 + H2O
viii) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 +KNO2 ----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + KNO3 + H2O
(ix) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 +H2S ----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + S + H2O
(x) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 +H2C2O4 ----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + CO2 + H2O
(xi) Cu + HNO3 ---------> Cu(NO3)2 + NO + H2O
(xii) Fe + HNO3 ---------> Fe(NO3)2 + N2O + H2O
(xiii)Mg + H2SO4 -------> MgSO4 + SO2 + H2O
4. Balance the following by ion electron method.

(i)S2O82- + Ce3+ ---------------> Ce4+ + SO42- (acidic medium)
(ii)Cu2O + H+ + NO3- ----------> Cu2+ + NO + H2O
(iii)MnO4- + SO32- + OH- ---------> MnO2 + SO42- + H2O
(iv)Mn2+ + S2O82- -------------> MnO4- + SO42- (Acidic medium)
(v)Cr2O72- + C2H4O + H+ ------------> Cr3+ + C2H4O2 + H2O
(vi)S + OH- ---------------> S2- + S2O32-
(vii)ClO3- + I- + H+ -------------> Cl- + I2 + H2O
(viii)Ag+ + AsH3 ----------------> H3AsO4 + Ag (alkaline medium)
(ix)CuS + NO3- -------------> Cu2+ + S8 + NO (acidic medium)
(x)ClO3- + SbO2- ------------> ClO2- + Sb(OH)6- (basic medium)
(xi)Zn + NO3- -------------> Zn2+ + NH3 (alkaline medium)
(xii)BrO3- + S2O32- ----------> Br - + S4O62- + H2O(acidic medium)
(xiii)MnO4- + SnO22- + H2O -----------> MnO2 + SnO32- (basic medium)
5. Get the net ionic equation and balance by ion-electron method. From the
balanced ionic equation, balance the molecular equation.
(i)K4[Fe(CN)6](aq) + HCl(aq) + H2O2(l) ---------> K3[Fe(CN)6](aq) +
KCl(aq) +H2O(l)
(ii)N2H4 (l)+ K3[Fe(CN)6](aq)------> N2 (g)+ K4[Fe(CN)6](aq) + H2O(l)
(alkaline medium)
(iii)C2H2 (g)+ KMnO4(aq)------> MnO2(s)+ K2C2O4(aq)+ KOH(aq) +H2O(l)
(iv)HgCl2(aq)+ SnCl2(aq)------------> Hg2Cl2(s)+ SnCl4(aq)
(v)NaNO3(aq) + Zn(s) + NaOH(aq) -----> NH3(g) + Na2ZnO2(aq) + H2O(l)
(vi)HgS(s) + HNO3(aq) + HCl(aq)------> S + H2[HgCl4](aq) + NO(g) + H2O(l)
(vii) K2Cr2O7(aq) + H2SO4(aq)+KNO2(aq) ----------> K2SO4(aq)+ Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+
KNO3(aq)+ H2O(l)
(viii) K2Cr2O7(aq)+ H2SO4(aq)+H2S(g) ------->K2SO4(aq)+ Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+ S + H2O(l)
(ix) K2Cr2O7(aq)+ H2SO4(aq)+H2C2O4(s)-----> K2SO4(aq)+ Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+ CO2(g)+ H2O(l)
(x) Cu(s) + HNO3(aq) ---------> Cu(NO3)2(aq)+ NO(g) + H2O(l)
(xi) Fe(s) + HNO3(aq)---------> Fe(NO3)2(aq)+ N2O(g)+ H2O(l)
Supplimentary Questions:
1. Balance by any one method: (either by ion-electron or ON method)
(i) CuS(s) + HNO3(aq) ------> Cu(NO3)2(aq) + S + H2O(l) + NO(g)
(ii) As2S5(s)+ HNO3(aq) -------> H3AsO4(aq)+ H2SO4(aq)+ H2O(l) + NO2(g)
(iii) Zn(s) + HNO3(aq) --------> Zn(NO3)2(aq) + H2O(l) + NH4NO3(aq)
(iv) Na2C2O4(aq) + KMnO4(aq) + H2SO4(aq) -----> K2SO4(aq) +MnSO4(aq) +
CO2(g)+ Na2SO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(v) MnO + PbO2 + HNO3 -------> HMnO4 + Pb(NO3)2 + H2O

(vi) Na 2HAsO 3(aq) + KBrO 3(aq) + HCl(aq) -----> NaCl(aq) + KBr(aq) +
H3AsO4(l)
(vii) FeS2 + O2 ------> Fe2O3 + SO2
(viii) Ca(OCl)2(aq) + KI(aq) + HCl(aq) ------> I2(s) + CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + KCl(aq)
(ix) NaOCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) + Bi2O3(s) ----> NaBiO3(aq) + H2O + NaCl(aq)
(x) Sn + HNO3 ------> SnO2 + NO2 + H2O
(xi) CrI3 + KOH + Cl2 → K2Cr2O7 + KIO4 + KCl + H2O
(xii) Na2TeO3 + + NaI + HCl → NaCl + Te + I2 + H2O
(xiii) K2Cr2O7 + SnCl2 + HCl → CrCl3 + SnCl4 + KCl + H2O
(xiv) K3[Fe(CN)6] + Cr2O3 + KOH → K4[Fe(CN)6] + K2CrO4 + H2O
(xv) NaHSO4 + Al + NaOH → Na2S + Al2O3 + H2O
(xvi) KI + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + I2 + H2S + H2O
(xvii) Cr2O3 + Na2CO3 + KNO3 → Na2CrO4 + CO2 + KNO2
(xviii) KClO3 + H2SO4 → KHSO4 + ClO2 + O2 + H2O
(xix) P2H4 → PH3 + P4H2
(xx) CoCl2 + KNO2 + HCl → K3[Co(NO2)6] + NO + KCl + H2O
(xxi) MnO4- → MnO42- + O2 (alkaline medium) Also balance the molecular equation
(xxii) Au + CN- + O2 → [Au(CN)4]- + H2O (alkaline medium). Also balance the
molecular equation
(xxiii) Zn + As2O3 → AsH3 + Zn2+ (acid medium) Also balance the molecular equation
(xxiv) Cl2 + IO3- → IO4- + Cl -(alkaline medium) Also balance the molecular equation
(xxv) Zn + NO3- → Zn2+ + NH4+ (acidic medium) Also balance the molecular equation
(xxvi) V + NaOH + H2O → Na3HV6O17 + H2
(xxvii) MnBr2 + PbO2 + HNO3 → HMnO4 + Pb(NO3)2 + Pb(BrO3)2 + H2O
2. Complete and balance the following:

(i) Sn2+ + H+ + NO3- -----> Sn4+ + NO
(ii) Cr2O72- + I- ----> I2 + Cr3+ (acidic medium)
(iii) Zn + H+ + NO3- -----> Zn2+ + NH4+
(iv) S2O32- + Ag+ -------> Ag + S4O62-
(v) P4 + OH- ----> PH3 + H2PO2-
(vi) Br2 + IO3- ----> Br - + IO4- (basic medium)
(vii) MnO4- + Sn2+ ----> Mn2+ + Sn4+ (acidic medium)
(viii) S2O82- + I- ----> I3- + SO2 (acidic medium)
(ix) CrO42- + Cu2O ----> Cu(OH)2 + [Cr(OH)4]- (alkaline medium)
RESPONSE TO SAQs
SAQ 1: Balance the following reactions:
(i) 3Ca(OH)2 + 2H3PO4 ---------> Ca3(PO4)2 + 6 H2O
(ii) ZnO + H2SO4 -------> ZnSO4 + H2O
(iii) FeCl2 + H2S -------> FeS + 2HCl
(iv) P2O5 + 3H2O -------> 2H3PO4
(v) 2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2--------> CaCl2 + 2NH3 + 2H2O
SAQ 2:
-1 +6 0 -2
(i) KI + H2SO 4 I2 + K2SO4 + H2S + H2O
(KI is RA and H2SO4 is OA)
The change in ON in RA = |-1-0| = 1, so 1 is the coefficient before OA(H2SO4). 1 is not written
because if no other coefficient is placed, then the coefficient 1 is understood to be present.
The change in ON in OA = |+6-(-2)| = 8, so 8 is to be placed before KI(RA)
8KI + H2SO4 ---------> I2 + K2SO4 + H2S + H2O
Then hit and trial. To equalise I, we have to place 4 before I2 in RHS and to equalise K, we have
to place 4 before K2SO4.
8KI + H2SO4 ---------> 4I2 + 4K2SO4 + H2S + H2O
Let us equalise S now. The number of S atoms in RHS is 5, so 5 is placed as coefficient before
H2SO4 in LHS. Note that the coefficient 1 that was found in the first case is now revised to 5.
8KI + 5H2SO4 ---------> 4I2 + 4K2SO4 + H2S + H2O (Revised coefficient of H2SO4)
To equalise H now, we have to place 4 before H2O. Thus we see that by doing so, O is
automatically balanced(20 O in either side).
8KI + 5H2SO4 ---------> 4I2 + 4K2SO4 + H2S + 4H2O (balanced equation)
Just imagine that had you not adopted this technique, could you have balanced this equation by
hit and trial method? The answer may be YES. But in that case you would have taken a very
long time to do so. Therefore you are advised not to take an attempt to balance a redox reaction
by hit and trial method if it appears to be little tough. Always make use of this ON method.
0 +5 +5 +4
(ii) I2 + HNO3 HIO3 + NO2 + H2O (I2 is RA and HNO3 is OA)
The change in ON per one I = |0-5| =5, so for two I atoms present in the RA(I2), the total change
is 10. So 10 is placed as coefficient before HNO3(OA).
The change in ON of N = |+5-(+4)| =1, and since there is one N atom in HNO3, the total change
is also 1. So 1 is to be placed as the coefficient of I2 and therefore it is left as such.
I2 + 10HNO3 --------> HIO3 + NO2 + H2O
To equalise N, we place 10 before NO2 in RHS and to equalise I, we place 2 before HIO3 in
RHS.
I2 + 10HNO3 --------> 2HIO3 + 10NO2 + H2O

To equalise H atoms, we place 4 before H2O, and by doing so, it is seen that O is automatically
balanced(30 O on either side).
I2 + 10HNO3 --------> 2HIO3 + 10NO2 + 4H2O (balanced equation)
What a fantastic method!!!! Could you have balanced it by hit and trial method? The answer is
again, NO.
0 +5 +2 +2
(iii) Cu + HN O3 Cu(NO 3)2 + N O + H2O (RA is Cu and OA is HNO3)
The change of ON in Cu(RA) is 2 and in HNO3(OA) is 3. So first 2 is placed before HNO3 and
3 placed before Cu. Then hit and trial starts. To equalise Cu, we have to place 3 before Cu(NO3)2.
3 Cu +2 HNO 3 3 Cu(NO 3)2 + N O + H2O
By doing so the total number of N atoms in RHS is 7. So we have to revise the coefficient of
7
HNO3 in the LHS and place 7 in place of 2. Then to equalise H, we have to place 2 before
H 2 O.
7
3 Cu + 7 HN O 3 3 Cu(NO 3)2 + N O + 2 H2O
In so doing we found that O could not be balanced. 21 O are on LHS and 22.5 on RHS. So in
such case we have to re-revise the coefficient of NO. Note that we cannot do any change in Cu
and Cu(NO3)2. So we place 2 before NO and accordingly change HNO3 and H2O. For that we
revise the coefficient of HNO3 from 7 to 8 to equalise 8 N atoms on either side. Then to equalise
H we place 4 before H2O. Now we find that O atoms are automatically balanced on either side.
So the balanced equation is
3 Cu + 8 HNO3 3 Cu(NO3 )2 + 2 NO + 4 H2O (balanced equation)
SAQ 3:
(i)
KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2C2O4 K2SO4 + MnSO 4 + CO2 + H2O
2 KMnO4 K2O + 2 MnO + 5 [O] (Step 1)

2 X MnO + H2SO4 MnSO 4 + H2O (Step 3)
5X H2C2O4 + [O] 2 CO 2+ H2O (Step 4)
2 KMnO 4 +3H2SO 4 +5H2C2O4 K2SO4 + 2 MnSO4 + 10 CO2 + 8 H2O
(balanced equation)
In this case also the first three steps are same as done in the example in the text. In the forth step
H2C2O4(oxalic acid) reacts with nascent oxygen to form CO2. The question is how shall you
know this? This is very simple. You merely look to the RHS, you can know the products
immediately. Can you indicate now which is oxidised and which reduced. Mn has ON +7 in
KMnO4 and +2 in MnSO4, so KMnO4 has been reduced. While the ON of C in H2C2O4 is
+3(find it by x method)and it is +4 in CO2. So H2C2O4 has been oxidised. So which is OA and
RA? You can better say that now.
(ii)
K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + H2O2 K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + O2 + H2O
K2Cr2O7 K2O + Cr2O3 + 3 [O] (Step 1)

Cr2O3 + 3 H2SO4 Cr2(SO4)3 +3 H2O (Step 3)
3 X H2O2 + [O] O2 + H2O (Step 4)
(Step 5)
K2Cr2O7 + 4 H2SO4 + 3 H2O2 K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3 O2 + 7 H2O
In this case too, the product in the 4th step(H2O2 reacting with [O]) is known just by looking at
the RHS. It is O2. The other product has to be H2O to balance H. This is known from mere
common sense.
In this case K2Cr2O7 is the OA as the ON of Cr is +6 and it is reduced to +3 in Cr2(SO4)3. H2O2
is the RA as the ON of O is -1(peroxide) and it is oxidised to 0 in O2 of RHS.
SAQ 4: (i) In this case the HNO3 used must be very dilute type as NH4NO3 is produced.
HNO3 + H2O --------> NH3 + 4[O] (i)
[NH3 + HNO3 --------> NH4NO3
4X [Zn + [O] ------> ZnO] (ii) (4 multiplied to cancel [O])
4X [ZnO + 2HNO3 --------> Zn(NO3)2 + H2O] (iii) (4 multiplied to cancel 4 ZnO)
_________________________________________
4Zn + 10HNO3 -------> 4Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + 3H2O (balanced equation)
Note that in step (i) H2O appears in LHS, otherwise you cannot balance the equation,remember
this.
(ii) In this case the HNO3 used must be moderately concentrated as NO is produced.
2HNO3 ----------> 2NO + H2O + 3[O]
3X[Mg + [O]---------> MgO ]
3X[MgO + 2HNO3 ---> Mg(NO3)2 + H2O ]
_____________________________________
3Mg + 8HNO3 -------> 3Mg(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O (balanced equation)
SAQ 5:
3X [H2SO4 ------> SO2 + H2O + [O]] (3 multiplied to cancel 3[O])
2Al + 3[O] -----> Al2O3
Al2O3 + 3H2SO4 --------> Al2(SO4)3 + 3H2O (Al2O3 get cancelled)
______________________________________________
2Al + 6H2SO4 -------> Al2(SO4)3 + 3SO2 + 6H2O (balanced equation)
SAQ 6:
Net ionic equation: CrO42- + Cu2O(s) + H2O(l) ------> Cu(OH)2(s) + CrO2- + OH-
Note that this reaction has been carried out in alkaline medium as OH- is present in the RHS.
Could you find which is oxidised and which reduced? K2CrO4 has been reduced to CrO2- because
the ON of Cr had decreased from +6 to +3. Cu2O has been oxidised to Cu(OH)2 as the ON of
Cu has increased from +1 to +2. So let us take the steps separtely and apply the rules.
Reduction step:
CrO42- --------> CrO2-
Cr atoms are same, so no coefficient is to be placed in any side.
Then 2 H2O molecules are to be added on RHS as LHS has 2 excess O atoms.
CrO42- --------> CrO2- + 2H2O
-
Then 4OH are to be added on RHS and 4 H2O to be added on LHS as RHS has 4 excess H
atoms.
CrO42- + 4 H2O --------> CrO2- + 2H2O + 4OH-
Then equalisation of charge is done by adding 3 electrons in LHS so that the charge on either
side becomes -5.
CrO42- + 4 H2O + 3e---------> CrO2- + 2H2O + 4OH -
Oxidation step:
Cu2O --------> Cu(OH)2
First we have to place a coefficient of 2 in RHS to equalise Cu atoms.
Cu2O --------> 2Cu(OH)2
Since in LHS there is one O atom and in RHS there are 4 O atoms, RHS has 3 excess O atoms.
So we have to add 3 H2O molecules on LHS
Cu2O + 3 H2O --------> 2Cu(OH)2
Now let us find how many H atoms are excess in which side. LHS contains 2 excess H atoms.
So we have to add 2 OH- on LHS and 2 H2O molecules on RHS.
Cu2O + 3 H2O + 2OH- --------> 2Cu(OH)2 + 2H2O
Then charge equalisation is made by adding 2 electrons on RHS, so that both sides have -2
charge.
Cu2O + 3 H2O + 2OH- --------> 2Cu(OH)2 + 2H2O + 2e-
Let us add now the two steps.
2 X [CrO42- + 4 H2O + 3e- --------> CrO2- + 2H2O + 4OH- ]
3X [Cu2O + 3 H2O + 2OH- --------> 2Cu(OH)2 + 2H2O + 2e-] (6 electrons are cancelled)
______________________________________________________
2CrO42- + 17H2O + 6OH- + 3Cu2O --------> 2CrO2- + 10 H2O + 6Cu(OH)2 +8OH-
On further simplification we get,
2CrO42- + 7H2O + 3Cu2O --------> 2CrO2- + 6Cu(OH)2 + 2 OH -
SAQ 7:
+6 -1 +3 0
(i) K2Cr2O7 + HCl KCl + CrCl3 + Cl2 + H2O
+6 +3
-1
Reduction Cr + 3 e Cr
-1 0
Oxidation Cl
-1
Cl + e X 3
+6 -1 +3 0
Cr + 3 Cl Cr + 3 Cl (electron balance diagramme)
Looking to 2 Cr atoms in K2Cr2O7, let us multiply the above equation by 2 throughout
+6 -1 +3 0
2Cr + 6 Cl 2Cr + 6 Cl
So we can develop a part balanced molecular equation,
K2Cr2O7 + 6 HCl ------> 2 KCl + 2 CrCl3 + 3 Cl2
But equation is not yet balanced and one more product is missing(H2O). Since HCl is used
both as a reducing agent(RA) and an acid to form salt, more number of Cl- ions are required
and so the coefficient of HCl has to be changed. First for equalising O atoms on both the sides,
7 is placed as the coefficient of H2O and accordingly to balance H atoms, the coefficient of
HCl is changed to 14.
K2Cr2O7 + 14 HCl -----> 2 KCl + 2CrCl3 + 3 Cl2 + 7 H2O
(ii)
+2 -1 0 +3 -2 +4
FeS2 + O2 Fe2O3 + SO2
Here there are two oxidations i.e Fe2+ is oxidised to Fe3+ and S-1 is oxidised to S+4. Note that
in iron disulphide(called iron pyrite or fool's gold) Fe is in the +2 state and sulphide is a
disulphide(belongs to polysulphide category) in which S is in -1 state. We get the net oxidation
step by adding the following two oxidation steps.
Oxidation:
+2 +3
-1
Fe Fe + e
-1 +4
-1
2S 2S + 10e
+2 -1 +3 +4 -1
Fe + 2S Fe + S + 11 e
Note that we multiplied the 2nd oxidation step by 2 to get the ratio of Fe and S equal
to 1:2 to agree with the formula of iron dilphide.
0 -2
Reduction: O+2e O
-1
Adding the oxidaton and reduction steps by cancelling 22 electrons on either side, we get,
0 +2 -1 -2 +3 +4
11 O + 2 Fe + 4 S 11 O + 2 Fe + 4 S (electron balance diagramme)
Looking to the electron balance diagramme, we can balance the molecular equation,
2 FeS2 + 11/2 O2 ------> Fe2O3 + 4 SO2
To eliminate fraction, we multiply the equation by 2 throughout
4 FeS2 + 11 O2 ------> 2 Fe2O3 + 8 SO2
ANSWERS TO PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. (i) NO3- + Fe2+ + H+ -------> Fe3+ + NO2 + H2O (Acidic medium)
- + -
Reduction step: NO3 + 2H + e --------> NO2 + H2O
Oxidation step: Fe2+ --------------> Fe3+ + e-
____________________________________
Fe2+ + NO3- + 2H+ -------> NO2 + Fe3+ + H2O
(ii) NH3 + MnO4- + OH- ---------> MnO2 + NO2 (Alkaline medium)
Reduction step: 7X[MnO4- + 4H2O + 3e- ---------> MnO2 + 2H2O + 4OH- ]
Oxidation step: 3X[NH3 + 2H2O + 7OH- ----------> NO2 + 7H2O + 7e-]
__________________________________________
7MnO4- + 28H2O + 3NH3 + 6H2O + 21OH- ------>
7MnO2 + 14H2O + 28OH- + 3NO2 + 21H2O
On simplifying we get: 7MnO4 + 3NH3 ---------> 7MnO2 + 3NO2 + 7 OH- + H2O
-
(iii) Fe3+ + H2O2 -------> Fe2+ + O2 (acidic medium)

Oxidation step: H2O2 ----------> O2 + 2H+ + 2e Here H2O addition is not necessary
Reduction step: 2X[Fe3+ +e -----------> Fe2+ ]
___________________________
H2O2 + 2Fe3+ ---------> O2 + 2Fe2+ + 2H+
(iv) Cr(OH)2 + I2 + OH- --------> Cr(OH)3 + I- (alkaline medium as OH- is present)
Reduction step: [I2 + 2e- ---------> 2I- ]
Oxidation step: 2X [Cr(OH)2 + H2O + OH- ---------> Cr(OH)3 + H2O + e-]
_____________________________________________
2Cr(OH)2 + I2 + 2OH- -------> 2Cr(OH)3 + 2I-
(v) C2O4 + H + Cr2O72- --------> CO2 + Cr3+ + H2O
2- +
(acidic medium)
2- + - 3+
Reduction step: Cr2O7 + 14H + 6e --------> 2Cr + 7H2O
Oxidation step: 3X [C2O42- ------------> 2CO2 + 2e-]
____________________________________
Cr2O72- + 3C2O42- + 14H+ --------> 2Cr3+ + 6CO2 + 7H2O
(vi) MnO4 + H + I ------> Mn2+ + I2 + H2O
- + -
Reduction step: 2X [MnO4- + 8H+ + 5e----------> Mn2+ + 4H2O]

Oxidation step: 5X [2I- --------------> I2 + 2e-]
______________________________________
2MnO4- + 16H+ + 10I- -------> 2Mn2+ + 5I2 + 8H2O
(vii) S2O3 + I2 --------> S4O62- + I-
2-
Reduction step: I2 + 2e- ---------> 2I-

Oxidation step: 2S2O32- --------> S4O62- + 2e-
___________________________
I2 + 2S2O32- -------> 2I- + S4O62-
In this case neither acidic nor basic medium is required. As you see, in the steps, there is no need
of H+ or OH- ions for balancing.
(viii) OCl- + H+ + I- ---------> I2 + Cl- (acidic medium)
Reduction step: OCl-+2H+ + 2e- --------> Cl- + H2O (Cl changed from +1 to -1)
Oxidation step: 2I- --------------> I2 + 2e- (I from -1 to 0)
______________________________
OCl- + 2I- + 2H+---------> Cl- + I2 + H2O
(ix) Cl2 + IO3- ----> IO4- + Cl- (alkaline medium)

- -
Reduction step: Cl2 + 2e -----------> 2Cl
Oxidation step: IO3- + H2O + 2OH- ------------> IO4- + 2H2O + 2e-
_________________________________________
Cl2 + IO3- + 2OH- ----------> IO4- + 2Cl- + H2O
2.
(i) NH3 + O2 -----------> NO + H2O
ON of N goes from -3 to +2. So the change in ON =|-3-(+2)| =5, and change in ON in two atoms
of O= 2X|-2|=4
4NH3 + 5O2 -----------> 4NO + 6H2O
(ii) H2S + SO2 ----------> S + H2O
ON of S goes from -2 in H2S to 0 in S, so change in ON is 2. The ON of S change from +4 in
SO2 to 0 in S, so the change is 4.
4H2S + 2SO2 ----------> 6 S +4 H2O
This is further simplified as : 2H2S + SO2 ----------> 3 S +2 H2O
(iii) Fe2O3 + CO -----------> Fe + CO2
The ON of Fe goes from +3 to 0, so the change per atom is 3 and for 2 Fe atoms present in
Fe2O3, the total change is 2X3=6, The ON of C changes from +2 to +4. So the change is 2.
2Fe2O3 + 6CO -----------> 4 Fe + 6CO2
Further simplification results: Fe2O3 + 3CO -----------> 2 Fe + 3CO2
(iv)SnCl2 + O2 + HCl ----------------> SnCl4 + H2O
ON of Sn goes from +2 to +4, so the change in ON is 2 which is placed before O2(OA). The
change in ON per one O atom is |0-2|=2 and for 2 atoms present in O2 the total change is 2X2=4,
which is to be placed before SnCl2(RA). Then hit and trial.
4SnCl2 + 2O2 +8 HCl ----------------> 4SnCl4 +4 H2O
On simplification, we get
2SnCl2 + O2 + 4HCl ----------------> 2SnCl4 +2 H2O
(v) NaClO3 + KI + HCl -------------> NaCl + I2 + KCl + H2O
The ON of Cl goes from +5(NaClO3) to -1(NaCl) and the change is +5-(-1)=6, which is to be
placed before KI(RA). The change in ON of I is |-1-0|=1, so no other coefficient is to be placed
before NaClO3(OA). Then hit and trial gives the balanced equation.
NaClO3 + 6KI + 6HCl -------------> NaCl +3 I2 + 6KCl + 3H2O
(vi) SbCl5 + KI ---------> SbCl3 + I2 + KCl
The change in ON of Sb is |+5-3|=2, which is to be placed before KI. The change in ON in I is
|-1-0|=1, so no other coefficient is to be placed before SbCl5. Then hit and trial.
SbCl5 + 2KI ---------> SbCl3 + I2 + 2KCl
(vii) NaPO3 + BrF3 ---------------> NaPF6 + Br2 + O2
The ON of Br goes from +3(BrF3) to 0(Br2) and hence the change is 3 which is to be placed
before NaPO3(RA). The ON of O changes from -2(NaPO3) to 0(O2) and hence the change is
2 per atom. For 3 O atoms present, the total change is 2X3=6, which is to be placed before
BrF3(OA). Then hit and trial.
9
3NaPO3 + 6BrF3 ---------------> 3NaPF6 + 3Br2 + 2 O2
To eliminate the fractional coefficient, the whole equation is multiplied by 2.
6NaPO3 + 12BrF3 --------------->6 NaPF6 + 6Br2 + 9O2
Now we can simplify by dividing the equation by 3 througout.

2NaPO3 + 4BrF3 --------------->2 NaPF6 + 2Br2 + 3O2
(viii) Sn + HNO3 --------------> SnO2 + NO + H2O
The Change in ON of Sn is |0-4|=4 and change in ON of N is |5-2|=3, so
3Sn + 4HNO3 --------------> SnO2 + NO + H2O
Then hit and trial gives
3Sn + 4HNO3 --------------> 3SnO2 + 4NO + 2H2O (balanced equation)
(ix) Cr2O3 + HNO3 + Na2CO3 ----------> Na2CrO4 + CO2 + HNO2
The ON of one Cr changes by |+3-6| =3, so for two Cr atoms present in Cr2O3(OA), the total
change is 6. The change in ON of N is |+5-3|=2, so we get first,
2Cr2O3 + 6HNO3 + Na2CO3 ----------> Na2CrO4 + CO2 + HNO2
Hit and trial gives the following
2Cr2O3 + 6HNO3 + 4Na2CO3 ----------> 4Na2CrO4 + 4CO2 + 6HNO2
Further simplification gives
Cr2O3 +3 HNO3 + 2Na2CO3 ----------> 2Na2CrO4 + 2CO2 + 3HNO2
(x) Cu + HNO3 ----------> Cu(NO3)2 + N2O + H2O
The change in ON of Cu =2 and N=|5-1)=4, so first we write as follows.
4Cu + 2HNO3 ----------> Cu(NO3)2 + N2O + H2O
Hit and trial gives
4Cu + 2HNO3 ----------> 4Cu(NO3)2 + N2O + H2O
But now RHS contains 10 N atoms, so we have to revise the coefficient of HNO3 in LHS and
accordingly balance the rest.
4Cu + 10HNO3 ----------> 4Cu(NO3)2 + N2O + 5H2O
(xi) Cu + HNO3 --------> Cu(NO3)2 + NO + H2O
The change in ON of Cu=2 and N=3, so we first write
3Cu + 2HNO3 --------> Cu(NO3)2 + NO + H2O
Hit and trial gives,
3Cu + 2HNO3 --------> 3Cu(NO3)2 + NO + H2O
Since RHS now contains 7 N atoms, we have to revise the coefficient of HNO3 from 2 to 7 to
equalise the N atoms.
3Cu + 7HNO3 --------> 3Cu(NO3)2 + NO + H2O
7
To balance H, we have to place 2 before H2O. But we find that O is not balanced by that.
7
3Cu + 7HNO3 --------> 3Cu(NO3)2 + NO + 2 H2O
So we have to again revise the number of N atoms by balancing 2 before NO(RHS) and
accordingly change the coefficient of HNO3. After that H is adjusted again .
3Cu + 8HNO3 --------> 3Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O (balanced equation)
(xii) BaCrO4 + KI + HCl ----------------> BaCl2 + I2 + KCl + CrCl3 + H2O
The ON of Cr changes from +6 to +3, so the change is 3. The change in ON of I is 1.So we first
write
BaCrO4 + 3KI + HCl ----------------> BaCl2 + I2 + KCl + CrCl3 + H2O
Further hit and trial gives
BaCrO4 + 3KI + 8HCl ----------------> BaCl2 + 23 I2 + 3KCl + CrCl3 + 4H2O
To eliminate fraction, we multiply by 2 throughout

2BaCrO4 + 6KI + 16HCl ----------------> 2BaCl2 + 3I2 + 6KCl + 2CrCl3 + 8H2O
(xiii) Ca3(PO4)2 + SiO2 + C -----------> CaSiO3 + P4 + CO
The ON of P change from +5 to 0 for one P atoms. For two P atoms present in Ca3(PO4)2, the
total change is 10. The change in ON of C is 2. So first we write
2Ca3(PO4)2 + SiO2 +10 C -----------> CaSiO3 + P4 + CO
Hit and trial gives
2Ca3(PO4)2 + 6SiO2 +10 C -----------> 6CaSiO3 + P4 + 10CO
(xiv) Zn + HNO3 -------------> Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + H2O
The change of ON of Zn is 2 and the ON of N changes from +5(HNO3) to -3(NH4+ of NH4NO3).
So the change in ON=|+5-(-3)|=8, so first we write,
8Zn + 2HNO3 -------------> Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + H2O
Hit and trial results
8Zn + 2HNO3 -------------> 8Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + H2O
RHS now contains 18 N atoms, so we have to modify the coefficient of HNO3 and accordingly
H is adjusted.
8Zn + 18HNO3 -------------> 8Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + 7H2O
We find that O is not balanced. So again we have to modify the N atoms by first placing coefficient
2 before NH4NO3 and then adjusting HNO3 and then other atoms.
8Zn + 20HNO3 -------------> 8Zn(NO3)2 + 2NH4NO3 + 6H2O
Now interestingly we find that O is balanced.
(xv) K2Cr2O7 + KI + H2SO4 -----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 +I2 +H2O
The ON of Cr changes from +6 to +3, so the change is 3 per atom. But for 2 Cr atoms prsent in
K2Cr2O7(OA), the total change in ON=6. The change in ON of I is 1. So first we write,
K2Cr2O7 + 6KI + H2SO4 -----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 +I2 +H2O
Further hit and trial gives
K2Cr2O7 + 6KI + 7H2SO4 -----------> 4K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 +3I2 + 7H2O(balanced)
(xvi) KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2S -------------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + S + H2O
The change in ON of Mn =|7-2|=5, and that of S=|-2-0|=2, so first we write,
2KMnO4 + H2SO4 + 5H2S -------------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + S + H2O,
Further hit and trial gives,
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5H2S -------------> K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 5S + 8H2O
(xvii) Cl2 + KIO3 + KOH --------------> KCl + KIO4 + H2O
The change in ON of Cl is 1 for one Cl atom. So for 2 Cl atoms present in the OA(Cl2), the total
change is 2. The change in ON of I=|5-7|=2, so first we write,
2Cl2 + 2KIO3 + KOH --------------> KCl + KIO4 + H2O,
Hit and trial gives,
2Cl2 + 2KIO3 + 4KOH --------------> 4KCl + 2KIO4 + 2H2O
On simplification, it gives,
Cl2 + KIO3 + 2KOH --------------> 2KCl + KIO4 + H2O
(xviii) N2H4 + KBrO3 → N2 + KBr + H2O
N goes from -2 to 0, so for 2 N atoms the total change of ON is 4. Br goes from +5 to
-1 and so the change is 6.
6N2H4 + 4KBrO3 -----> 6N2 + 4KBr + 12H2O
(xix)Sn + NaOH -------> Na2SnO3 + H2

Sn goes from 0 to +4, so the change is 4. H goes from +1 to 0, so the change is 1.
H2O has to be added in LHS for balancing. By adding one H2O molecule there will be
4H atoms in LHS to account for the total change of ON in H to balance with the total change in
ON in Sn(4).
Sn + 2NaOH + H2O -------> Na2SnO3 + 2H2
(xx)Al + NaOH ------> NaAlO2 + H2
Al goes from 0 to +3 while H goes from +1 to 0. H2O molecule is to be added in LHS for
balancing. By adding one H2O molecule there will be 3 H atoms in LHS to account for the total
change of ON in H to balance with the total change in ON in Al(3).
Al + NaOH + H2O ---------> NaAlO2 + 3/2 H2
2Al + 2NaOH + 2H2O ----------> 2NaAlO2 + 3H2
3.(i)
2 KMnO 4 K2O + 2 MnO + 5 [O]

K 2O + H2SO 4 K2SO4 + H2O
2 X MnO + H2SO4 MnSO4 + H2O
5 X 2 HI + [O] I2 + H2O
2 KMnO 4 + 3 H2SO4 + 10 HI K2SO 4 + 2 MnSO4 + 5 I2 + 8 H2O
(ii)
2 KMnO4 K 2O + 2 MnO + 5 [O]

K2O + H2SO 4 K 2SO4 + H2O
2 X MnO + H2SO4 MnSO4 + H2O
5 X H2O2 + [O] H2O + O2
2 KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5 H2O 2 K 2SO4 + 2 MnSO4 + 5 O2 + 8 H2O
(iii)
2 KMnO4 K2O + 2 MnO + 5 [O]

K 2O + H2SO 4 K2SO4 + H2O
2 X MnO + H2SO 4 MnSO4 + H2O
5 X KNO2 + [O] KNO3
2 KMnO 4 3 H2SO4 5 KNO2
+ + K 2SO4 + 2 MnSO4 + 5 KNO3 + 3H2O
(iv) Try this by partial equation method in the similar manner as shown above.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5H2S -------> K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 5S + 8H2O
(v) 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5H2C2O4 ----> K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 10CO2 + 8H2O
(vi)
K 2Cr2O 7 K2O + Cr2O3 + 3 [O]

K 2O + H2SO4 K2SO 4 + H2O
Cr2O 3 + 3 H2SO4 Cr2(SO 4)3 + 3 H2O
3 X 2 HI + [O] I2 + H2O
K2Cr2O 7 + 4 H2SO 4 + 6 HI K 2SO4 + Cr2(SO4) 3+ 3 I2 + 7 H2O
(vii) Try this by partial equation method of your own and check with the answer.
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2O2 -------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3O2 + 7H2O
(viii) K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3KNO2 ------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3KNO3 + 4H2O
(ix) K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2S --------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3S + 7H2O
(x) K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2C2O4-------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 6CO2 + 7H2O
(xi)
2 HNO 3 2 NO + H2O + 3 [O]

3 X Cu + [O] CuO
3 X CuO + 2 HN O3 Cu(NO3) 2 + H2O
3 Cu + 8 HNO3 3 Cu(N O3) 2 + 2 NO + 4 H2O
(xii) Try yourself and check. 4Fe + 10 HNO3 ---------> 4Fe(NO3)2 + N2O + 5H2O
(xiii)
H2SO4 SO2 + H 2O + [O]

Mg + [O] MgO
MgO + H 2SO4 MgSO 4 + H2O
Mg + 2 H2SO 4 MgSO4 + SO 2 + 2 H2O
Note that whenever you find a reaction involving conc. H2SO4, the first step is the breaking
down of H2SO4 giving SO2, H2O and nascent oxygen atom.
4.(i) Reduction step: S2O82- + 2e ----------> 2SO42- (O changes from -1 to -2)
Oxidation step: 2X[Ce3+ ----------------> Ce4+ +e]
_________________________
S2O82- +2Ce3+ ------> 2SO42- + 2Ce4+
(ii) Reduction step: 2X[NO3- + 4H+ + 3e---------> NO + 2H2O]
Oxidation step: 3X[ Cu2O + 2H+---------------------> 2Cu2+ + H2O +2e]
________________________________________
3Cu2O + 14H+ +2NO3- --------> 6Cu2+ + 2NO + 7H2O
(iii) Reduction step: 2X[MnO4- +4H2O +3e----------> MnO2 + 2H2O + 4OH-]
3 X[SO32-+H2O+2OH- ----------------> SO42- + 2H2O+2e]
______________________________________________
2MnO4- + H2O + 3SO32- --------> 2MnO2 + 2OH- + 3SO42-
(iv) Reduction step: 5X[S2O82- + 2e---------------> 2SO42-]
Oxidation step: 2X[ Mn2+ +4H2O -------------------> MnO4- + 8H+ +5e]
__________________________________________
5S2O82- + 2Mn2+ + 8H2O ----------> 10SO42- + 2MnO4- + 16H+
(v) Reduction step: Cr2O7 +14H+ + 6e---------> 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
2-
Oxidation step: 3X[ C2H4O +H2O------------------> C2H4O2 + 2H+ +2e]

__________________________________________
Cr2O72- + 3C2H4O+8H+ ------> 2Cr3+ + 3C2H4O2 + 4H2O
(vi) Reduction step: 2X[S + 2e --------> S2-]

Oxidation step: 2S+3H2O +6OH- ----------> S2O32- + 6H2O +4e
______________________________________
4S + 6OH- -------> 2S2- +S2O32- + 3H2O
(vii) Reduction step: ClO3- + 6H+ +6e--------------> Cl- + 3H2O
Oxidation step: 3X[ 2I- ---------------------------> I2 + 2e]
_______________________________________
ClO3- + 6H+ + 6I- ----------> Cl- + 3I2 + 3H2O
(viii) Reduction step: 8X[Ag+ + e -----------> Ag]

Oxidation step: AsH3 +4H2O+8OH- -----------> H3AsO4 + 8H2O +8e
_________________________________________
8Ag+ + AsH3 + 8OH- ---------> H3AsO4 + 8Ag + 4H2O
(ix) Reduction step: 16X [NO3- +4H+ +3e--------> NO + 2H2O]
Oxidation step: 3X[ 8CuS ---------> 8Cu2+ + S8 + 16e]
_______________________________
24CuS + 16NO3- + 64H+ -------> 16NO + 24Cu2+ + 3S8 + 32H2O
(x) Reduction step: ClO3- + 2H2O +2e-------> ClO2- + H2O + 2OH-

Oxidation step: SbO2- + 4H2O +2OH- ---------> Sb(OH)6- + 2H2O + 2e
____________________________________________
ClO3- + SbO2- +3H2O -------> ClO2- + Sb(OH)6-
(xi) Reduction step: NO3- + 9H2O +8e--------> NH3 + 3H2O + 9OH-
Oxidation step: 4X [Zn ------------------------Zn2+ + 2e]
_________________________________________
4Zn + NO3- + 6H2O --------> 4Zn2+ + NH3 + 9OH-
(xii) Reduction step: BrO3- +6H+ +6e-------> Br - +3H2O
Oxidation step: 3X [2S2O32- --------------> S4O62- + 2e]
_______________________________
BrO3- + 6S2O32- + 6H+ ----------> Br - + 3S4O62- + 3H2O
(xiii) Reduction step: 2X[MnO4- + 4H2O + 3e---------------> MnO2 + 2H2O + 4OH-]
Oxidation step: 3X[ SnO22- + H2O + 2OH- -----------------> SnO32- +2H2O + 2e]
______________________________________________
2MnO4- + 3SnO22- + H2O ----------> 2MnO2 + 3SnO32- +2OH-
5. (i) [Fe(CN)6]4- + H+ + H2O2 ---------> [Fe(CN)6]3- + H2O
Reduction step: H2O2 + 2H+ +2e-------> H2O + H2O
Oxidation step: 2X{[Fe(CN)6]4- ----------->[Fe(CN)6]3- +e-}
____________________________________
2[Fe(CN)6]4- + H2O2 + 2H+ ------> 2[Fe(CN)6]3- + 2H2O
Looking to the coefficients of the balanced ionic equation, the original molecular equation
is blananced. See this.
2K4[Fe(CN)6](aq) + 2HCl(aq) + H2O2(l) ---------> 2K3[Fe(CN)6](aq) +
2KCl(aq) +2H2O(l)
(ii) N2H4 + [Fe(CN)6]3- ----------> N2 + [Fe(CN)6]4- + H2O (alkaline medium)

Reduction step: 4X{[Fe(CN)6]3- + e ----------->[Fe(CN)6]4-}
Oxidation step: N2H4 + 4OH- -----------> N2 + 4H2O + 4e
________________________________
4Fe(CN)6]3- + N2H4 +4OH- -------> 4Fe(CN)6]4- + 4H2O + N2
N2H4 (l)+ 4K3[Fe(CN)6](aq)+4KOH------> N2 (g)+ 4K4[Fe(CN)6](aq) + +4H2O
(iii) C2H2 + MnO4- ---------> MnO2 + C2O42- + OH - + H2O (alkaline medium)
Reduction step: 8X[MnO4- + 4H2O + 3e-----------> MnO2 + 2H2O + 4OH -]
Oxidation step: 3X [C2H2 + 4H2O +10OH - ------------------> C2O42- + 10H2O + 8e]
________________________________________________
8MnO4- +3C2H2 ------------> 8MnO2 + 3C2O42- + 2H2O + 2OH-
3C2H2 (g)+ 8KMnO4(aq)------> 8MnO2(s)+ 3K2C2O4(aq)+ 2KOH(aq) +2H2O(l)
(iv) Hg2+ + C l- + Sn2+ ---------> Hg2Cl2 + Sn4+
Reduction step: 2Hg2+ + 2Cl - + 2e-------> Hg2Cl2
Oxidation step: Sn2+ -----------------> Sn4+ + 2e
___________________________
2Hg2+ + 2Cl - + Sn2+ -------> Hg2Cl2 + Sn4+
2HgCl2(aq)+ SnCl2(aq)------------> Hg2Cl2(s)+ SnCl4(aq)
(v) NO3- + Zn + OH- ---------> NH3 + ZnO22- +H2O
Reduction step: NO3- +9H2O +8e------------> NH3 + 3H2O + 9OH-
Oxidation step: 4X [Zn + 2H2O + 4OH-------> ZnO22- + 4H2O + 2e]
_______________________________________
4Zn + NO3- + 7OH- ----------> NH3 + 4ZnO22- + 2H2O
NaNO3(aq) + 4Zn(s) + 7NaOH(aq) -----> NH3(g) + 4Na2ZnO2(aq) + 2H2O(l)
(vi) HgS + NO3- + H+ + Cl - -----------> S + [HgCl4]2- + NO + H2O
Reduction step: 2X[NO3- + 4H+ +3e---------> NO + 2H2O]
Oxidation step: 3X{HgS + 4Cl - ----------> S + [HgCl4]2- + 2e}
__________________________________
3HgS + 2NO3- + 8H+ + 12Cl - ----> 2NO + 3S + 3[HgCl4]2- +4H2O
3HgS(s) + 2HNO3(aq) + 12HCl(aq)------> 3S + 3H2[HgCl4](aq) + 2NO(g) + 4H2O(l)
(vii) Cr2O72- + 8H+ + 3NO2- ---------> 2Cr3+ + 3NO3- + 4H2O
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4+3KNO2 ----------> K2SO4+ Cr2(SO4)3+ 3KNO3+ 4H2O
(viii) Cr2O72- + 8H+ + 3H2S --------> 2Cr3+ + 3S + 7H2O
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 +3H2S ----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3S + 7H2O
(ix) Cr2O72- + 8H+ + 3H2C2O4 --------> 2Cr3+ + 6CO2 + 7H2O
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 +3H2C2O4 ----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 6CO2 + 7H2O
(x) 3Cu + 2NO3- + 8 H+ ---------> 3Cu2+ + 2NO + 4H2O
3Cu + 8HNO3 ---------> 3Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O
(xi) 4Fe + 2NO3- + 10H+ -----------> 4Fe2+ + N2O + 5H2O
4Fe + 10HNO3 ---------> 4Fe(NO3)2 + N2O + 5H2O
Supplimentary Questions:
1. Do these preferably by ON method and check with the answers given below.
(i) 3CuS + 8HNO3 ------> 3Cu(NO3)2 + 3S + 4H2O + 2NO
(ii) As2S5+ 40HNO3-------> 2H3AsO4+ 5H2SO4+ 12H2O + 40NO2
(iii) 8Zn + 20HNO3 -----> 8Zn(NO3)2 + 6H2O+ 2NH4NO3
(iv) 5Na2C2O4 + 2KMnO4 + 8H2SO4 -----> K2SO4 +2MnSO4 +
10CO2+ 5Na2SO4 + 8H2O
(v) 2MnO + 5PbO2 + 10HNO3 -----> 2HMnO4 + 5Pb(NO3)2 + 4H2O
(vi) 6Na2HAsO3 + 2KBrO3 + 12HCl -----> 12NaCl + 2KBr + 6H3AsO4
(vii) 4FeS2 + 11O2 ------> 2Fe2O3 + 8SO2
(viii) Ca(OCl)2 + 4KI + 4HCl ----> 2I2 + CaCl2 + 2H2O + 4KCl
(ix) 2NaOCl + 2NaOH + Bi2O3 ----> 2NaBiO3 + H2O + 2NaCl
(x) Sn + 4HNO3 ----> SnO2 + 4NO2 + 2H2O
+3 -1 0 +6 +7 -1
(xi) CrI3 + KOH + Cl2 K 2Cr2O 7 + KIO 4 + KCl + H2O
There are two oxidations and one reduction in this reaction. Let us balance it by electron-
balance diagramme method.
+3 +6
oxidation: 2 Cr 2 Cr + 6 e-
-1 +7
6I 6 I + 48 e-
+3 -1 +6 +7
2 Cr + 6 I 2 Cr + 6 I + 54 e-
0 -1
reduction: Cl + e - Cl X 54
+3 -1 0 +6 +7 -1
2 Cr + 6 I + 54 Cl 2 Cr + 6 I + 54 Cl
2CrI3 + 27Cl2 + 62KOH -------> K2Cr2O7 + 6KIO4 + 54KCl + 31H2O
(xii) Na2TeO3 + + 4NaI + 6HCl → 6NaCl + Te + 2 I2 + 3H2O

(xiii) K2Cr2O7 + 3SnCl2 + 14HCl → 2CrCl3 + 3SnCl4 + 2KCl + 7H2O
(xiv) 6K3[Fe(CN)6] + Cr2O3 + 10KOH → 6K4[Fe(CN)6] + 2K2CrO4 + 5H2O
(xv) 3NaHSO4 + 8Al + 3NaOH → 3Na2S + 4Al2O3 + 3H2O
(xvi) 8KI + 5H2SO4 → 4K2SO4 + 4I2 + H2S + 4H2O
(xvii) Cr2O3 + 2Na2CO3 + 3KNO3 → 2Na2CrO4 + 2CO2 + 3KNO2
(xviii) 4KClO3 + 4H2SO4 → 4KHSO4 + 4ClO2 + O2 + 2H2O
(xix) 5P2H4 → 6PH3 + P4H2
(xx) CoCl2 + 7KNO2 + 2HCl → K3[Co(NO2)6] + NO + 4KCl + H2O
(xxi) 4OH- + 4MnO4- → 4MnO42- + O2 + 2H2O

4KOH + 4KMnO4 ----> 4K2MnO4 + O2 + 2H2O
(xxii) 4Au + 16CN- + + 6 H2O + 3O2 → 4[Au(CN)4]- + 12OH-
4Au + 16KCN + 6 H2O + 3 O2 -----> 4K[Au(CN)2] + 12KOH
(xxiii) 6Zn + 12H+ + As2O3 → 2AsH3 + 3H2O + 6Zn2+
6Zn + 12HCl + As2O3 ------> 2AsH3 + 3H2O + 6ZnCl2
(xxiv) Cl2 + 2OH- + IO3- → IO4- + 2Cl- + H2O
Cl2 + 2KOH + KIO3 ------> KIO4 + 2KCl + H2O
(xxv) 4Zn + 10 H+ + NO3- → 4Zn2+ + NH4+ + 3H2O
4Zn + 10HNO3 ------> 4Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + 3H2O
(xxvi) 6V + 3OH- + 14H2O → HV6O173- + 15H2
6V + 3NaOH + 14HO ------> Na3HV6O17 + 15H2
(xxvii) There are two oxidations and one reduction in this case.
+2 +7
Oxidation: Mn Mn + 5e
-1 +5
2 Br 2 Br + 12 e
+2 +7
-1 +5
Mn + 2 Br Mn + 2 Br + 17 e X 2
+4 +2
Reduction: Pb + 2 e Pb X 17
+2 +7 +5 +2
-1 +4
2 Mn + 4 Br + 17 Pb 2 Mn + 4 Br + 17 Pb
Balanced equation:
2 MnBr2 + 17 PbO2 + 30 HNO3 → 2 HMnO4 + 2 Pb(BrO3)2 + 15 Pb(NO3)2 + 14 H2O
2. Do yourself and check with the following answers.

(i) 3Sn2+ + 8H+ + 2NO3- -----> 3Sn4+ + 2NO + 4H2O
(ii) Cr2O72- + 6I- 14H+ ----> 3I2 + 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
(iii) 4Zn + 10H+ + NO3- -----> 4Zn2+ + NH4+ + 3H2O
(iv) 2S2O32- + 2Ag+ -------> 2Ag + S4O62-
(v) 4P4 + 12OH- + 12H2O----> 4PH3 + 12H2PO2-
(vi) Br2 + IO3- + 2OH- ----> 2Br - + IO4- + H2O
(vii) 2MnO4- + 5Sn2+ + 16H+ ----> 2Mn2+ + 5Sn4+ + 8H2O
(viii) S2O82- + 9I- + 8H+ ----> 3I3- + 2SO2 + 4H2O
(ix) 2CrO42- + 3Cu2O +11H2O----> 6Cu(OH)2 + 2Cr(OH)4- + 2OH-

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Logic of Inorganic Reactions 1

Valency=1 Valency=2 Valency=3 Valency=4 Valency=5

SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:(SAQ)

potassium cobaltinitrite, calcium silicate, cupric pyrophosphate, sodium tetrathionate, calcium

ACIDS AND BASES

SAQ7:Find the net ionic equations(NIE) in case of the following

SAQ 8: Indicate whether the following are soluble(S) or insoluble(I) in water.

OXIDATION NUMBER(O.N) or OXIDATION STATE (O.S)

SAQ 15: What is ON of the underlined element:

(3) The ON of oxygen(O) is always -2 excepting in peroxides in which it is -1,

(4) The ON of hydrogen(H) is always +1 excepting metal hydrides in which it is -1.

Oxidation and Reduction (Redox Reaction)

Broad Classification of Inorganic Reactions:

(xiii) Cu(s) + HNO3(aq) --------->Cu(NO3)2 + H2O(l) + NO(g)

5. Assign the Oxidation Number(ON) to element underlined in the following.

(xi) FeBr3 + Cl2 → FeCl3 + Br2

(xxiii) K4[Fe(CN)6] + O3 + H2O -----> K3[Fe(CN)6] + O2 + KOH

SAQ 3: ammonium phosphate, ferric chloride, potassium sulphite, magnesium nitride,

SAQ 4: Set-I: Ca(CH3COO)2, K2MnO4, Mg(OCl)2, Fe2(SO4)3, Hg(NO3)2, NH4HCO3,

Set-IV: Mg(HCO3)2, NaCN, FeSO4, Cr(OH)3, ZnS2O3, K4[Fe(CN)6], (NH4)2Cr2O7,

N2 is reduced to NH3 as its ON decreased from 0 to -3 and hence acts as OA while H2 is

In this case H2 is oxidised to HI hence it is the RA while I2 is reduced to HI so that it is OA.

(viii) LHS: Cu =0, N in HNO3 =+5, RHS: Cu in Cu(NO3)2=+2, N in NO2=+4

(ix) LHS: Mn in MnO2= +4, Cl in HCl =-1, RHS: Mn in MnCl2=+2, Cl in Cl2=0

ANSWERS TO PRACTICE QUESTIONS

(hypochlorite), SO42-(sulphate), NO2-(nitrite).

(xiii) TIE: Cu(s) + H+ + NO3- --------> Cu2+ + NO3- + NO(g) + H2O(l)

(vi) N from +5 to -3(NH4+ in NH4NO3), Zn from 0 to +2

BALANCING CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

(2) OXIDATION NUMBER(ON) METHOD:

CuO + 2NH3 N2 + Cu + H2O

RULES FOR BALANCING BY ON METHOD:

Another example is given below for a better understanding.

SAQ 2: Balance the following by ON method.

(3) PARTIAL EQUATION METHOD:

KMnO4 + H2SO4 + FeSO4 --------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O

KMnO4 + H2SO4 + FeSO 4 K 2SO4 + MnSO 4 + Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O

2 KMnO4 K2O + 2 MnO + 5 [O] (Step 1)

KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2S K 2SO4 + MnSO 4 + S + H2O

2 KMnO4 K 2O + 2 MnO + 5 [O] (Step 1)

K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + SO2 K 2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + H2SO4 + H2O

K2Cr2O7 K 2O + Cr2O3 + 3 [O] (Step 1)

(d) Reactions involving conc. H2SO4

H2SO4 ------> SO2 + H2O + [O] (i)

(A) Acidic Medium

MnO4- + 8H+ + 5Fe2+ -------->Mn2+ + 5Fe3+ + 4 H2O (balanced equation)

Cr2O72- + 14 H+ + 6e--------> 2Cr3+ + 7 H2O

Balancing of the molecular equation from balanced ionic equation;

Cu2O ----------> 2Cu2+

3X [Cu2O + 2 H+ ----------> 2Cu2+ + H2O +2e-

IO3- --------> IO4-

ELECTRON BALANCE DIAGRAMME METHOD

2. Balance the following by Oxidation Number method.

3. Balance the following by partial equation method.

4. Balance the following by ion electron method.

(v) MnO + PbO2 + HNO3 -------> HMnO4 + Pb(NO3)2 + H2O

2. Complete and balance the following:

I2 + 10HNO3 --------> 2HIO3 + 10NO2 + H2O

3 Cu +2 HNO 3 3 Cu(NO 3)2 + N O + H2O