Question

2) For reactions in basic solutions, add OH- to both sides of the equation for every H+ that appears in the final equation. Is this correct? What should be done for reactions in acid solution? Please discuss briefly.

Answer 1

in case of acid medium the addition of oH^- is skipped.

steps in acid medium:

balance each of half reaction as follows

acidic medium:

1. balance first atoms other than oxygen and hydrogen in both half rections separately

2. balance oxygen by adding required no of water molecules to the oxygen deficient side in each of half reaction

3. balance hydrogens by adding H⁺ in defcient side.

4. balance the charge on both side by adding electrons

then aftr seeing balanced both half reactions, while combining ensure no of electrons in both reactions are same. if not same ensure that by multiply by that factor and add and remove the common terms and write out the remaining terms, which will gv you balanced equation

in basic medium, do all the steps as in acidc medium. after that check how many h= appears in balanced reaction, then add that many no of OH^- on both sides . then cancel out water molecules, then write out the final equation which will give basic medium equation.