In balancing redox reactions under basic conditions, after following the acidic steps, what must you add to both sides for each H+ added?

In balancing redox reactions under basic conditions, after following the acidic steps, what must you add to both sides for each H+ added?

• A. H+
• B. OH-
• C. H2O
• D. Electrons

Answer: (B)

In basic medium, after you’ve balanced the reaction under acidic conditions, you convert to basic by neutralizing the added protons. For every H+ that was added during the acidic balancing, add an equal amount of hydroxide to both sides. The H+ and OH- combine to form water, which you can then simplify away, leaving a correctly balanced equation in basic conditions. This step preserves mass and charge balance while adapting the balance to basic solution. So, you add hydroxide ions to both sides.

In basic medium, after you’ve balanced the reaction under acidic conditions, you convert to basic by neutralizing the added protons. For every H+ that was added during the acidic balancing, add an equal amount of hydroxide to both sides. The H+ and OH- combine to form water, which you can then simplify away, leaving a correctly balanced equation in basic conditions. This step preserves mass and charge balance while adapting the balance to basic solution. So, you add hydroxide ions to both sides.