To balance redox equations, do the following steps:
-Divide into 2 half equations
-Balance the formula EXCEPT for oxygen and hydrogen
-Balance the number of oxygens by adding water
-Balance the number of hydrogens adding hydrogen ions/protons
-Balance the charge by adding electrons
-Compare the half equations, and make sure the number of electrons in each is equal. If not, multiply each half equation to make sure they are
-Combine the half equations and cancel common things on both sides
With the example in the question:
PbO2 + SO32- ==> Pb2+ + SO42-
Split into half equations: PbO2 ==> Pb2+ SO32- ==> SO42-
Balance formula (not needed here): PbO2 ==> Pb2+ SO32- ==> SO42-
Balance oxygen: PbO2 ==> Pb2+ + 2H2O SO32- + H2O ==> SO42-
Balance hydrogen: PbO2 + 4H+ ==> Pb2+ + 2H2O SO32- + H2O ==> SO42- + 2H+
Balance charge: PbO2 + 4H+ + 2e- ==> Pb2+ + 2H2O SO32- + H2O ==> SO42- + 2H+ + 2e-
Equal no. electrons (not needed here): PbO2 + 4H+ + 2e- ==> Pb2+ + 2H2O SO32- + H2O ==> SO42- + 2H+ + 2e-
Combine: PbO2 + 4H+ + 2e- + SO32- + H2O ==> Pb2+ + 2H2O + SO42- + 2H+ + 2e-
Cancel and complete!: PbO2 + 2H+ + SO32- ==> Pb2+ + H2O + SO42-