Writing & Combining Half-equations - Redox (5.1) Flashcards
Define oxidation
The loss of electrons from any species
Define reduction
The gain of electrons by any species
Define redox reaction
A redox reaction is where one species is oxidised and another is simultaneously reduced
What type of reaction is a redox reaction an example of?
A displacement reaction
Where should electrons be in a reduction half equation?
Electrons are gained - on the left
Where should electrons be in an oxidation half equation?
Electrons are lost - on the right
Name the 3 steps for balancing a half equation
- Check the atoms balance
- Count the charges on both sides & make them equal
- Add e-s to balance the charge
When combining half equations, what should be removed from the overall equation?
Electrons
When the amount of electrons are different in each half equation, how should you combine the half equations?
When electrons do not balance, find the lowest common multiple & multiply the whole equation to get this number of electrons - then you can combine the equations & remove the electrons