Final answer:
To balance the redox reaction in basic solution: Cu(aq) + H₂O(l) → Cu₂⁺(aq) + H₂(g), follow the half-reaction method. The balanced equation is: 2Cu(aq) + 4OH-(aq) → Cu₂⁺(aq) + H₂(g) + 2H₂O(l).
Step-by-step explanation:
To balance the redox reaction in basic solution: Cu(aq) + H₂O(l) → Cu₂⁺(aq) + H₂(g), we can follow the half-reaction method in basic solution.
First, write the oxidation and reduction half-reactions. The oxidation half-reaction is: Cu(aq) → Cu₂⁺(aq) + 2e¯, and the reduction half-reaction is: 2H₂O(l) + 2e¯ → H₂(g) + 2OH-(aq).
Multiply the oxidation half-reaction by 2, and the reduction half-reaction by 1, in order to balance the number of electrons.
Then, add the two half-reactions together and simplify. The balanced redox equation in basic solution is: 2Cu(aq) + 4OH-(aq) → Cu₂⁺(aq) + H₂(g) + 2H₂O(l).