Problem 14.1, 6th ed.

[Maria Trujillo 1L]

In problem 14.1, we have to balance the equation in regards to hydrogen and oxygen, but I thought we only needed to balance the elements being oxidized or reduced as well as the electrons. Why do we also need to balance the hydrogens with oxygens? Thank you, the chemical equation is below.
H(+) (aq) + Cr2O7(2-) (aq) + C2H5)H (aq) -----> Cr(3+) (aq) + C2H4O (aq) + H2O (l)

[Schuyler_Howell_4D]

Could it be that you have to balance oxygen with water so you then have to balance the newly added hydrogens for acidic solutions? And then in the basic solution, you balance the hydrogen by adding water and then have to balance the newly added oxygens?

Just an idea

[Matthew Casillas 1C]

Wouldn't you be balancing oxygen and hydrogen to figure out the overall charge and then balance the charges by adding electrons?

[404982241]

Although the focus is on the molecules being reduced and oxidized, it is still a chemical reaction and all the elements and charges need to be balanced. As we have done in the past there needs to be the same number of hydrogens on both sides and electrons etc.

there are two really good example problems at the beginning of chapter 14 (6th edition)