First page Back Continue Last page Overview Graphics

A General Procedure for Balancing Redox Reactions Using the Half-Reaction Method

1. Assign oxidation states.

2. Separate the overall reaction into two half-reactions.

3. Balance each half-reaction with respect to mass.

4. Balance each half-reaction with respect to charge by adding electrons.

5. Make the number of electrons in both half-reactions equal by multiplying.

6. Add the two half-reactions together.

7. Verify that the reaction is balanced.