- #1
big man
- 254
- 1
Homework Statement
Write the half equation for the cathodic reaction of oxygen
The Attempt at a Solution
Now I know that the cathodic reaction will be reduction and so the oxygen will be gaining electrons. I thought I had the answer from the lecture notes, but then I thought of another possible equation that would work too and I don't know which one is right??
The two equations are as follows:
equation from notes( the notes say that this is the most common)
[tex]O_2 + 2H_2O + 4e^- ->4OH^-[/tex]
the equation I came up with
[tex]O_2 + 4H^+ + 4e^- ->2H_2O[/tex]
Are these just two possible half equations for the cathodic reaction of oxygen or is one wrong??
Thanks for your time