Balancing Basic Redox Reactions

[Gabriel Ordonez 2K]

I understand how to approach an acidic redox reaction, but what are the steps to balance a chemical reaction in a basic solution?

[Kevin Antony 2B]

It's still the same basic idea as balancing redox reactions in acidic solutions. In basic solutions, however, we use OH- instead of H+. Other than that it follows the same steps as balancing in acidic solutions.

[Nikki Razal 1L]

^^ for each half reaction, instead of adding H+ to an equation, add water, then add that same amount of OH- to the other side of the reaction

[Anna Heckler 2C]

In basic solutions you won't have a higher concentration of H+, so you add OH- to counteract the acidity.

[TimVintsDis4L]

Just remember that when balacing basic solutions you balance the O with OH- and the H with H20

[Gabriella Bates 2L]

For redox reactions in basic solutions, you want to follow the following steps:
1. write the half reactions
2. balance the non O and H atoms
3. Balance O by adding H2O
4. balance H by adding H2O to the side that needs H and OH- to the other side (this step is a little tricky, the reason that we add OH- to the other side is because it cancels out the extra O's that you added in the water)
5. add e- to balance the charge
Overall i think redox reactions in basic solution are harder, so its best to practice! The book also has really helpful examples that I recommend looking at

[Charysa Santos 4G]

It is pretty much the same as balancing a reaction in an acidic solution, but you must balance the Hydrogens with OH- instead of H+