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Ch.20 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 20, Problem 41a

Balance each redox reaction occurring in basic aqueous solution. a. H2O2(aq) + ClO2(aq) → ClO2(aq) + O2(g)

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions, or reduction-oxidation reactions, involve the transfer of electrons between two species. In these reactions, one species is oxidized (loses electrons) while the other is reduced (gains electrons). Understanding the oxidation states of the elements involved is crucial for identifying which species undergo oxidation and reduction.
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Balancing Redox Reactions in Basic Solution

When balancing redox reactions in basic solutions, it is essential to first balance the half-reactions for mass and charge. After balancing, hydroxide ions (OH-) are added to neutralize any hydrogen ions (H+) that may appear, ensuring the reaction is balanced in terms of both atoms and charge. This process may involve adding water molecules to balance oxygen atoms.
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Half-Reaction Method

The half-reaction method involves separating the oxidation and reduction processes into two distinct half-reactions. Each half-reaction is balanced individually for mass and charge before being combined to form the overall balanced equation. This method simplifies the balancing process, especially in complex redox reactions, by focusing on the electron transfer for each half-reaction.
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