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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: zephyrblows on March 18, 2007, 02:14:35 AM

Title: What's the difference between these 2 half-reactions?
Post by: zephyrblows on March 18, 2007, 02:14:35 AM

S(s) + 2e? ? S2?.-0.48
S(s) + 2H+ + 2e? ? H2S(g).+0.14

Does it mean that the oxidizing power of S(s) is stronger in acidic solutions?

Title: Re: What's the difference between these 2 half-reactions?
Post by: DevaDevil on March 19, 2007, 04:19:41 PM

this mainly tells you that H₂S (g) is more stable than S^2-.
so indeed if protons are available sulfur will be less inclined to stay in its solid form than when no protons are available.

"oxidising power" is a strong term here, as both halfreaction potentials indicate neither of them is a strong oxidiser