The half-reaction for the reduction of molecular oxygen to water is ________ A)O₂(g) H₂O(l ). B)O₂(g) H₂(g) H₂O(l ). C)O₂(g) H₂(g) 2e^- H₂O(l ). D)O₂(g) 2H⁺(g) 2e^- H₂O(l ). E)O₂(g) 2H⁺(g) H₂O(l ) 2e^-.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct half-reaction for the reduction of molecular oxygen to water is:
O2 (g) + 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2O (l)
None of the given options match this reaction exactly, but the closest option is D, which combines two half-reactions:
2H+ + 2e- → H2 (g) (incorrect half-reaction)
O2 (g) + 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2O (l) (correct half-reaction)
The incorrect half-reaction in D should be disregarded as it does not relate to the reduction of oxygen to water.

The Half-Reaction for the Reduction of Molecular Oxygen to Water