In the reduction half-reaction \text{Fe}^{3+}(\text{aq}) + n e^- \rightarrow \text{Fe}(\te… — JAMB UTME

In the reduction half-reaction

\text{Fe}^{3+}(\text{aq}) + n e^- \rightarrow \text{Fe}(\text{s})

what is the value of

n

required to balance the electrical charge?

The value of

n

3

To reduce one

\text{Fe}^{3+}

ion with a

+3

charge to a neutral iron atom with a

0

charge, exactly

3

electrons (each carrying a charge of

-1

) must be added to the reactant side so that the net charge on both sides equals

0

Determine the charge on the reactant side and product side

The left side has one

\text{Fe}^{3+}

ion with a charge of

+3

. The right side has neutral

\text{Fe}(\text{s})

with a charge of

0

Charge conservation must be satisfied in a balanced half-reaction.

Calculate the number of negative electrons (

e^-

) required to balance net charge

+3 + n(-1) = 0 \implies n = 3

Each electron carries a single negative charge (

-1

Charge conservation in half-reactions

Question