Write a balanced equation for the following reduction-oxidation reaction.

SO3–2 + MnO4–SO42– + Mn2+
__SO32–(aq) + ___MnO4–(aq) + ___H+(aq)--> ___SO42–(aq) + ___Mn2+(aq) + ___H2O(l)

I have no idea how to do this type of problem, care to explain?

1 answer

Try this site. It would take 30 minutes for me to type the directions. Hint for first one.
S goes from oxidation state of +4 on the left to +6 on the right. Mn goes from +7 on the left to +2 on the right.
http://www.chemteam.info/Redox/Redox.html
This site covers it all.