Acidic vs Basic Conditions [ENDORSED]

[Angus Wu_4G]

Can someone please explain the difference between balancing a redox reaction in an acidic vs basic solution? What is the difference if there is a different way to approach both the different types of problems? Specifically, what is the difference in the problems between 6K.3 and 6K.5?

[Brooke Yasuda 2J]

When balancing a redox reaction under acidic conditions, you use H2O and Hydoxide ions (H+) to balance the number of Oxygens and Hydrogens on both sides. And then you finish the redox by balancing electrons for the reaction. On the other hand, for basic conditions, you use H2O and Hydronium ions (OH-) to balance the number of Oxygens and Hydrogens on both sides of the reaction. And you again, finish the redox by balancing electrons.

[Chem_Mod]

These two links on my class website give detailed answers to your question:

Balancing Redox Reactions: Acidic Conditions
https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-conten ... itions.pdf

Balancing Redox Reactions: Basic Conditions
https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-conten ... itions.pdf