6th edition, 14.15b

[Hai-Lin Yeh 1J]

Write the half-reactions and devise a galvanic cell (write a cell diagram) to study each of the following reactions:
(b) H+ (aq) + OH-(aq) -> H2O(l), the Brønsted neutralization reaction

Why can we not use the equations: 2 H+ + 2 e- -> H2 , H2 + 2 OH- -> 2 H2O + 2 e- to get the redox reaction?
Also, why is H2O not included in the cell diagram in the solutions manual?

[Chem_Mod]

It says that they are using the Bronsted Neutralization reaction and so that incorporates the half reactions

O2 + 4H+ +4e- 2H2O
O2 + 2H2O + 4e- -> 4OH-

While the other half reactions might yield the same electric potential, it does not satisfy the neutralization reaction as it does not involve and acid and a base neutralizing one another.

Water is not included in the cell diagrams because technically with aqueous solutions, they are by definition a solute with water so it'd be redundant to add water.