Balance the redox reaction in basic solution. What is the coefficient on the hydroxide ion, and on which side of the equation does it appear? (a) 2 OH^- in reactants (b) 4 OH^- in products (c) 4 OH^- in reactants (d) 3 OH^- in reactants

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the oxidation and reduction half-reactions from the given unbalanced equation.
2. Balance all elements in each half-reaction except for oxygen and hydrogen.
3. Balance the oxygen atoms by adding water molecules (H2O) to the side that needs oxygen.
4. Balance the hydrogen atoms by adding hydroxide ions (OH-) to the side that needs hydrogen in the basic solution.
5. Combine the half-reactions, ensuring that the number of electrons gained in the reduction half equals the number of electrons lost in the oxidation half, and then balance the overall charge by adjusting the coefficients, including those of the hydroxide ions.

Key Concepts

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between two species, resulting in oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons). Understanding how to identify the oxidizing and reducing agents is crucial for balancing these reactions. In basic solutions, the presence of hydroxide ions (OH-) plays a significant role in balancing the charges and atoms involved.

Balancing Redox Reactions in Basic Solution

When balancing redox reactions in basic solutions, one must first balance the half-reactions in acidic conditions and then convert them to basic conditions by adding hydroxide ions. This process often involves adding OH- ions to both sides of the equation to neutralize any H+ ions present, ensuring that the final balanced equation reflects the basic environment.

Coefficients in Chemical Equations

Coefficients in chemical equations indicate the relative amounts of reactants and products involved in a reaction. When balancing a redox reaction, determining the correct coefficients for each species, including hydroxide ions, is essential for maintaining the law of conservation of mass. The placement of these coefficients on the reactant or product side affects the overall balance of the equation.