Balancing using half reaction method

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on balancing the redox reaction H2CO(g) + Ag+(aq) ---> HCOOH(aq) + Ag(s) using the half-reaction method in a basic solution. The user identified that silver (Ag) is reduced while formaldehyde (H2CO) is oxidized. The proposed half-reactions include Ag+ + 1e- ---> Ag and H2CO + H2O ---> 2HCOOH + 1e- + H2O. The user concluded that the coefficient for OH- is 2, although they acknowledged issues with charge and atom balance.

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Homework Statement



The redox reaction below occurs in basic solution. Balance it with the smallest whole number coefficients and determine the coefficient for OH-.

H2CO(g) + Ag+(aq) ---> HCOOH(aq) + Ag(s).



Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I got the oxidation numbers and found that Ag is reduced and the H2CO is oxidized, but I can't balance the half reactions, this is what I came up with:

Ag+ + 1e- ---> Ag

H2CO + H2O ---> 2HCOOH + 1e- + H2O
Any help?
 
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sorri i think i got it, can someone check?:

2OH- + H2CO ---> 2HCOOH + 1e- + H2O

so the coefficient for OH- is 2?
 
Charge is not balanced, carbon is not balanced, oxygen is not balanced... haven't checked hydrogen.
 

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