In balancing a redox equation in acidic medium, oxygen atoms are balanced by adding
Correct answer: C. water molecules to the side deficient in oxygen
- A. hydroxide ions
- B. oxygen gas
- C. water molecules to the side deficient in oxygen
- D. hydrogen gas
Explanation
Water supplies the missing oxygen, and hydrogen ions are then added to the opposite side to balance the hydrogen introduced, which is valid because both are abundant in an acidic solution. In alkaline medium hydroxide ions are used instead, since hydrogen ions cannot be present in quantity. Adding elemental oxygen or hydrogen would change the chemistry rather than balance the equation.
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About Balancing Redox Equations
Redox equations are balanced by tracking electron loss and gain through oxidation numbers or the ion-electron method. Work includes identifying oxidizing and reducing agents, balancing atoms and charge in acidic or basic medium, and ensuring that electrons lost equal electrons gained.
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