Which of the following is an important step in the alternate method for balancing redox reactions in acidic solutions?

• A. Balancing the oxygen atoms by adding H_2O to the appropriate side of the equation
• B. Balancing the equation by adjusting only the coefficients of the products
• C. Adding NaOH to neutralize the solution
• D. Ignoring the charges on the ions involved

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in the alternate method for balancing redox reactions in acidic solutions, the goal is to balance atoms and charges systematically.
2. Recognize that oxygen atoms are balanced by adding water molecules (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)) to the side of the equation that needs oxygen atoms.
3. After balancing oxygen, balance hydrogen atoms by adding hydrogen ions (\(\mathrm{H^+}\)) to the appropriate side.
4. Balance the charges by adding electrons (\(\mathrm{e^-}\)) to one side of the half-reaction to ensure the total charge is the same on both sides.
5. Combine the half-reactions and verify that both mass and charge are balanced, without ignoring charges or adding substances like NaOH unless specified.