Balance the following oxidation-reduction reactions, which take place in acidic solution, by using the "half-reaction" method.
a. Mg(s) + Hg2+(aq) -> Mg2+(aq) + Hg2(2+)(aq)
[tex]Mg + 2 Hg^{+2} + 2e [/tex] ⇒ [tex] Mg^{+2} + 2e ^{-} + 2 Hg^{+1} + 2 e^{-} [/tex]
It isn't necessary to keep the electrons but its essential to know how many there are in order to know how many are in the equation in order to calculate the reaction energy. Note: Add H+ and H2O to balance the H's and O's in acidic solution if needed.