Question

When balancing the oxidation and reduction half-reactions for basic solutions, you should:
Select one:
a. use H+ and OH− equally in order to balance the equation
b. use H+ only in order to balance the equation
c. use H+ and H2O, as needed to balance the equation
d. use OH− and H2O, as needed to balance the equation

Answer 1

@Frostbite

Answer 2

So, I thought the answer should be A but Im deeply confused... :/

Answer 3

Not quite. Unfortunately I don't got a lot of time so I will help as I long as I can. :)

When you want to balance a redox equation you want to add either protons (H+) or hydroxyl ions (-OH) depending on if the solution is basic or acid together with H20.

In a basic solution what would be the most dominant specie? H+ or OH-? :)

Answer 4

Oh thank you so much!! And wouldn't it be H+?? :)

Answer 5

Ahhhh.... think! :)

pH = -log(H+)

When the solution is acidic then pH is low right? Would there then be many protons (H+)? :)

Answer 6

No, lol I guess there wouldn't be :)

Answer 7

True, it would be OH- that would be the dominant specie. :)
So in order to balance the charge you add OH- as that is the most dominant charged specie from water. :)

In order to make sure you have oxygen and hydrogen in the correct ratio you simply add water and then you are done.


(When people actually wanna try balance them, some use H+ anyway but that is only according to me for pedagogical reasons)

Answer 8

Hope it is somewhat understanding? :)

Answer 9

Oh my gosh, thank you so much!!

Answer 10

SO the answer is D, right??

Answer 11

If not all my teachers has been screwing with my brain the last 8 years then yes :)

Answer 12

:') Okay thanks so very much! You rock!

Answer 13

No probs. I can fast give the full procedure I give to the students that I am helping:

1) The reaction scheme is written without coefficients. That included only substances containing atoms that change the oxidation.

2) Oxidation numbers are assigned to the atoms that changes the oxidation.

3) Calculated how many steps these atoms are oxidized (↑) or reduced(↓). the result is written under the reaction scheme.

4) Using the coefficients so that there is exchanged an equal number of electrons in the equation.

5a) The charge is balanced with H+ ions if the reaction takes place in acid solution.
5b) The charge is balanced with OH- ions if the reaction takes place in basic solution.

6) H and O matched by adding the water on one side.

Answer 14

Oh wow thats like so much easier explained!!!

Answer 15

Good good. Cause I need to take my leave. Have a good day! :)

Answer 16

Thanks so much you as well!!