Final answer:
Redox reactions in basic solutions are balanced using the half-reaction method, requiring the balancing of mass and charge separately in each half-reaction, with adjustments involving water, hydroxide ions, and electrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
To balance redox reactions in basic solutions, you need to follow the half-reaction method. This involves balancing the atoms and charges of each half-reaction separately before combining them back together. When balancing, you may need to add H2O, OH-, and electrons to get the correct balance of atoms and charges.
For instance, to balance the redox reaction of Zn with NO3- to produce NH3 and Zn2+ you would set up and balance two half-reactions; one for the oxidation of Zn and one for the reduction of NO3-.