Consider the following redox reaction taking place in acidic medium BH4-(aq) + ClO3-(aq) H2BO3-(aq) + Cl-(aq) If the Nernst equation for the above balanced reaction is Ecell = E cell - RTnF Q, then the value of n is . (Nearest integer)
Answer
24
Solution
In BH4-, H is −1 (B is less electronegative); in H2BO3-, H is +1. B stays +3.
Oxidation: BH4- + 3H2O H2BO3- + 8H+ + 8e- (4 H: −1 → +1, 8 e⁻)
Reduction: ClO3- + 6H+ + 6e- Cl- + 3H2O (Cl: +5 → −1, 6 e⁻)
LCM of 8 and 6 = 24 oxidation × 3, reduction × 4
3BH4- + 4ClO3- 3H2BO3- + 4Cl- + 3H2O
electrons transferred in the balanced reaction, n = 24
Answer: 24