# Chemistry: Balancing Redox reactions

#### needOfHelpCMath

##### Member
What do i have wrong here for my chemical equation? Seems to be right but my homework wont accept it.

Balance the redox reaction occurring in acidic solution.

Sn(s)+MnO−4(aq) → Sn2+(aq)+Mn2+(aq)

5Sn+2MnO−4+16H+→5Sn2++2Mn2++8H2O

is this correct?

#### Klaas van Aarsen

##### MHB Seeker
Staff member
What do i have wrong here for my chemical equation? Seems to be right but my homework wont accept it.

Balance the redox reaction occurring in acidic solution.

Sn(s)+MnO−4(aq) → Sn2+(aq)+Mn2+(aq)

5Sn+2MnO−4+16H+→5Sn2++2Mn2++8H2O

is this correct?
Hi needOfHelpCMath !

It seems correct to me, although the question does ask to include phases.
So should it perhaps be:
$$Sn(s)+MnO^−_4(aq) → Sn^{2+}(aq)+Mn^{2+}(aq)$$
$$5Sn(s)+2MnO^−_4(aq) + 16H^+(aq)→ 5Sn^{2+}(aq)+2Mn^{2+}(aq) + 8H_2O$$

#### needOfHelpCMath

##### Member
Hi needOfHelpCMath !

It seems correct to me, although the question does ask to include phases.
So should it perhaps be:
$$Sn(s)+MnO^−_4(aq) → Sn^{2+}(aq)+Mn^{2+}(aq)$$
$$5Sn(s)+2MnO^−_4(aq) + 16H^+(aq)→ 5Sn^{2+}(aq)+2Mn^{2+}(aq) + 8H_2O$$
Perhaps MnO-4 should be the other way around. That is, it should be MnO4-, since it's really $(MnO_4)^-$.