Question

When you balance a redox equation using the half-reaction method, what do you do after you write the oxidation and reduction half-reactions?

Answer 1

Answer : The steps for balancing a redox reaction using half reaction method will include the following steps :

1) Write the basic ionic form of the reaction equation.

2) Divide the equation into two separate half reaction which will have oxidation half and reduction half reactions.

3) Balance the atoms present in each half of the reactions except O and H atoms in the reaction.

4) Balance the oxygen atoms in the reduction half of the reaction by the addition of two water molecules in the given conditions of the reaction.

5) Balance the charges present in both the half reactions.

6) The two halves of the equations reduction and oxidation are added to complete the overall reactions. After the addition of two reaction halves, cancel the same number electrons on both sides. The net ionic equation can be written after this step.

7) Finally, Verify whether the equation consists of the same type, number of co-efficients, and charges on both sides of the equation.

Answer 2

You have to ensure that the electrons are balanced on each of the half equations first after you have the oxidation and reduction half reactions balanced you form an ionic equation were you join the two half eqautions and omit spectator ions and electrons.

hope that helps