Question

the redox reaction given below occurs in basic solution.
br⁻ + mno₄⁻ → bro₃⁻ + mno₂
now, the second half - reaction needs three more oxygen atoms on the reactant side. how many h₂o molecules should be added to the reactant side?
?h₂o + br⁻ → bro₃⁻

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze oxygen atoms in H₂O

Each \( \ce{H_2O} \) molecule provides 1 oxygen atom.

Step2: Determine number of H₂O

We need 3 more oxygen atoms on the reactant side. Since each \( \ce{H_2O} \) gives 1 O, the number of \( \ce{H_2O} \) molecules needed is equal to the number of oxygen atoms needed. So, we need 3 \( \ce{H_2O} \) molecules.

Answer:

3