Balancing Redox Reaction with Hydrogens

[Kelly Tran 3N]

Why do some redox reactions involve hydrogen protons as well? For example, in problem 14.1.b and 14.1.c, the half reactions are balanced with both hydrogen protons and electrons.

[Chem_Mod]

When balancing redox reactions, you always use to balance out the oxygens. In acidic conditions, you would then use H+ to balance the hydrogens in the reaction.

[Jordan Pace 2B]

My TA gave us a list of steps for how to balance redox reactions!

Step 1: Write the skeletons of the half-reactions
Step 2: Balance all elements other than H and O
Step 3: Balance O by adding H2O to the side without O
Step 4: Balance H by adding H+ to the side without H
Step 5: Balance charges by adding e- (electrons)
Step 6: Balance overall charges of both half-reactions by multiplying by a common factor
Step 7: Add the two reactions
-If acidic, stop here
-If basic, continue to step 8
Step 8: Add OH- to both sides to cancel H+ ions
Step 9: Combine OH- and H+ to form H2O
Step 10: Cancel H2O molecules and check charge balance

Hope this helps!

[604735966]

Jordan's post is extremely helpful! This should definitely be endorsed! :)