Answer:
When balancing redox reactions under basic conditions in aqueous solution, the first step is to balance oxygen.
Explanation:
Oxidation-reduction reactions or redox reactions are those in which an electron transfer occurs between the reagents. An electron transfer implies that there is a change in the number of oxidation between the reagents and the products.
The gain of electrons is called reduction and the loss of electrons oxidation. That is to say, there is oxidation whenever an atom or group of atoms loses electrons (or increases its positive charges) and in the reduction an atom or group of atoms gains electrons, increasing its negative charges or decreasing the positive ones.
The oxidation and reduction half-reactions, in a basic medium, adjust the oxygens and hydrogens as follows:
In the member of the half-reaction that presents excess oxygen, you add as many water molecules as there are too many oxygen. Then, in the opposite member, the necessary hydroxyl ions are added to fully adjust the half-reaction. Normally, twice as many hydroxyl ions, OH-, are required as water molecules have previously been added.
In short, you first adjust the oxygens with OH-, then you adjust the H with H₂O, and finally you adjust the charge with e-
So, <u><em>when balancing redox reactions under basic conditions in aqueous solution, the first step is to balance oxygen.</em></u>
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