Balancing Redox Equations in Basic Solution Example Problem

What is the key difference in balancing redox equations in basic solution compared to acidic solution?

• Basic solutions require balancing oxygen atoms first, while acidic solutions balance hydrogen first.

• Basic solutions involve adding OH- ions to neutralize H+ ions, which is not done in acidic solutions.

• Acidic solutions use electrons to balance charges, but basic solutions use protons.

• The half-reaction method is only used for basic solutions, not acidic ones.

After balancing a redox equation in acidic solution, what is the first additional step to balance it in basic solution?

• Add H2O to the side lacking oxygen.

• Add electrons to balance the charges.

• For each H+ ion, add one OH- ion to both sides of the equation.

• Subtract H2O from both sides if possible.

What product is formed when H+ and OH- ions combine during the balancing of a redox equation in basic solution?

• O2 gas

• H2 gas

• H2O (water)

• H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide)

After combining H+ and OH- to form water molecules, what is the next step to simplify the balanced redox equation in basic solution?

• Add more OH- ions to the side with excess water.

• Subtract any common H2O molecules from both sides of the equation.

• Add H+ ions to the side with fewer hydrogen atoms.

• Multiply the entire equation by a common factor.

What is the primary difference in balancing redox reactions between acidic and basic solutions concerning hydrogen species?

• Acidic solutions use H+, basic solutions use OH-.

• Acidic solutions use H2O, basic solutions use H+.

• Acidic solutions use OH-, basic solutions use H+.

• Both use H+, but basic solutions also use H2O.

When converting a redox reaction balanced in acidic solution to basic solution, what is the first step to eliminate H+ ions?

• Add H2O to both sides.

• Add OH- to the side with H+ and an equal amount to the other side.

• Subtract H+ from both sides.

• Combine H+ with existing H2O.

After adding OH- ions to both sides of an equation to balance it in basic solution, what is the next step?

• Subtract H2O from both sides.

• Add more OH- ions.

• Combine H+ and OH- ions to form H2O.

• Balance the charges using electrons.

What is the final step when balancing a redox reaction in basic solution, after forming water molecules from H+ and OH-?

• Add electrons to balance charges.

• Subtract H2O from both sides if possible.

• Balance atoms other than O and H.

• Determine oxidation numbers.