Question

How do you write redox reactions ?

Answer 1

In redox reactions, there is transfer of electrons between two participating reactant. One of the reactant looses electrons, so oxidation occurs and one of the reactant gains electrons, so reduction occurs. The transfer of electrons can be observed by change in the oxidation state. The steps for writing redox reaction are summarized as follows:

1. First of all, the oxidation state of each species will be evaluated.
2. Then starting down each half reaction and balance it.
3. For balancing reaction, if there is a change in oxidation state, then first balance the electrons and then balance the atoms.
4. The number of electrons gained and lost should be determined.
5. ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ should be written for balancing the charges in acidic solution reaction, while ${\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$should be written for balancing the charges in basic solution reaction.
6. ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$ should be written for balancing other atoms.
7. Multiply by the numeral digit so that the number of electrons could be cancelled while adding the two half reaction.

Therefore, the above steps completely summarized the steps for writing a redox reaction.