Half equations

Question 1

What is the oxidation half equation?

Answer 1

X → X + e⁻

loss of electrons

Question 2

What is the reduction half equation?

Answer 2

X + e⁻ → X

gain of electrons

Question 3

In an oxidation half cell, what’s happening in terms of electrons?

Answer 3

Electrons are generated by separating from their elements

Question 4

In a reduction half cell, what’s happening in terms of electrons?

Answer 4

Electrons are used up by recipient elements