14.5 6th edition

[Maddy Mackenzie]

I am wondering why on this question you have to add OH and H2O to balance the O3 --> O2 reaction. Why can you not just write 2O3 --> 3O2?

[Felicia1E]

I believe it might have something to do with the fact that this reaction is taking place in a basic solution. Therefore you would follow the balancing rules for basic solutions of adding H2O to balance out the O's and then H2O to the side that needs H's and then OH- to the other side you put the H's on.

[Katelyn Pham 4E]

In the beginning of the question it mentioned that the reactions are taking place in a basic solution and to balance redox rxns in a basic solution you add OH- and H2O to balance it instead of H+.