In balancing redox reactions under basic conditions, for each H+ you added to your half-reactions, what should you add to both sides?

In balancing redox reactions under basic conditions, for each H+ you added to your half-reactions, what should you add to both sides?

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

Answer: (D)

In basic conditions you use hydroxide ions to handle hydrogen after balancing atoms and charges in each half-reaction. For every proton that appeared when you balanced in an acidic sense, you add an equal amount of OH− to both sides. The H+ and OH− combine to form water, and any water molecules can then be canceled across the two sides. This keeps the medium basic and preserves mass and charge balance. So, the appropriate addition is OH− to both sides.

In basic conditions you use hydroxide ions to handle hydrogen after balancing atoms and charges in each half-reaction. For every proton that appeared when you balanced in an acidic sense, you add an equal amount of OH− to both sides. The H+ and OH− combine to form water, and any water molecules can then be canceled across the two sides. This keeps the medium basic and preserves mass and charge balance. So, the appropriate addition is OH− to both sides.