What will be the value of x, y and z in the following equation?
`H_(2)C_(2)O_(4)+xH_(2)O_(2)rarr yCO_(2)+zH_(2)O`

Options

A. 2,1,2
B. 1,2,2
C. 2,2,1
D. None

Answer

B

Explanation

(i) The half reaction for oxidation is,
`H_(2)C_(2)O_(4)+xH_(2)Orarr yCO_(2)+zH_(2)O`
Balancing carbon atoms on both sides,
`H_(2)C_(2)O_(4)rarr2CO_(2)`
Balancing hydrogen atoms on both sides,
`H_(2)C_(2)O_(4)rarr2CO_(2)+2H^(+)`
Balancing the charge on both sides,
`H_(2)C_(2)O_(4)rarr2CO_(2)+2H^(+)+2e^(-)` (balanced)
(ii) The half reaction for reduction is,
`H_(2)O_(2)rarrH_(2)O`
Balancing oxygen atoms on both sides,
`H_(2)O_(2)rarr2H_(2)O`
Balancing hydrogen atoms,
`H_(2)O_(2)+2H^(+)rarr2H_(2)O`
Balancing the charge,
`H_(2)O_(2)+2H^(+)+2e^(-)rarr2H_(2)O` (balanced)
Now, adding both equation,
`H_(2)C_(2)O_(4)+H_(2)O_(2)rarr2CO_(2)+2H_(2)O`