Sapling #3

[Aaron Akhavan-Dis1B]

For a particular redox reaction, MnO2 is oxidized to MnO−4 and Cu2+ is reduced to Cu+ . Complete and balance the equation for this reaction in basic solution. The phases are optional. I got the answer right, but after using hints and feedback. Why do we use OH or H2O? Maybe I wasn't paying attention but I don't remember anything about that.

[Joshua_Chan_3K]

You always use H2O to help balance it but the reason you use OH- is because it is in a basic solution. If it was an acidic solution, you would use H+ and H2O to balance it. Its basically saying that OH- ions are in excess so you can freely use them in the reaction.

[Chanel Mao 3D]

I believe we use H2O in order to balance the oxygens in MnO2 and MnO-4. When we add H+ in order to balance out the H2Os that were added, we need to add OH- to neutralize the H+. Hope this helps!