What are the steps to balance a redox reaction in an acidic solution?
1. Assign oxidation numbers. 2. Write half-reactions. 3. Balance elements (except O and H). 4. Balance O with H₂O. 5. Balance H with H⁺. 6. Balance charge with e⁻. 7. Combine half-reactions.
What are the steps to balance a redox reaction in a basic solution?
1. Balance as in acidic solution. 2. Neutralize H⁺ with OH⁻ to form H₂O. 3. Add the same amount of OH⁻ to the other side. 4. Simplify by canceling H₂O molecules.
List the first four steps for balancing redox reactions (general).
1. Assign oxidation numbers. 2. Write half-reactions. 3. Balance elements (except O and H). 4. Balance oxygen atoms by adding H₂O molecules.
What is the fifth through seventh steps for balancing redox reactions (general).
5. Balance hydrogen atoms by adding H⁺ ions. 6. Balance the charge by adding electrons. 7. Combine the half-reactions, canceling out any common species.
What are the last two steps for balancing redox reactions (general)?
8. For basic solutions: Neutralize H⁺ ions with OH⁻ to form H₂O, and add the same number of OH⁻ to the other side. 9. Double-check that atoms and charges are balanced.
What is the definition of a redox reaction?
A reaction involving the transfer of electrons between atoms, leading to changes in oxidation states.
What is the definition of oxidation state?
An atom's charge in a compound, showing how many electrons it has gained or lost compared to its neutral state.
What is the definition of oxidation?
The loss of electrons by an atom, resulting in an increase in its oxidation number.
What is the definition of reduction?
The gain of electrons by an atom, resulting in a decrease in its oxidation number.
What is a half-reaction?
A representation showing either the oxidation or reduction process separately, including electrons.