Basic v Acidic

[Mary Becerra 2D]

How do we know when to balance the equation using basic or acidic methods? Is it possible to use both when balancing the same equation?

[Nina Gautam 1K]

I'm not sure if this helps but my TA said to just assume acidic conditions unless otherwise stated, and if it is a basic solution, solve it as if it were acidic and then convert to basic at the end.

[Hazem Nasef 1I]

To balance in basic solution, first balance the half reactions as if they were in acidic solution and add them together. Then, add OH- ions to both sides in the same number which H+ions are present on one side. (i.e. if you have 6H+ ions, then add 6OH- ions to both sides) The side that has 6H+ and 6OH- will combine to form 6H2O. Lastly, camel out the new water molecules formed with the water molecules that were already present.