BALANCING REDOX EQUATIONS KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS
CONCEPTS
Students will know:
· Redox equations can be balanced using two methods: the oxidation number method, and the half-reaction equation method.
· Both methods have similarities and differences, so it is important to carefully follow each step in order to balance redox equations.
· Oxidation-reduction reactions can occur in acidic or basic solutions. In these cases, it may be necessary to add water molecules, hydrogen ions, and/or hydroxide ions to balance the equation.
· In a balanced equation, the total number of each type of atom or ion on either side of the equation are equal and the number of electrons transferred are equal.
· Redox equations can be balanced using two methods: the oxidation number method, and the half-reaction equation method.
· Both methods have similarities and differences, so it is important to carefully follow each step in order to balance redox equations.
· Oxidation-reduction reactions can occur in acidic or basic solutions. In these cases, it may be necessary to add water molecules, hydrogen ions, and/or hydroxide ions to balance the equation.
· In a balanced equation, the total number of each type of atom or ion on either side of the equation are equal and the number of electrons transferred are equal.
KEY TERMS
Oxidation Number Method:
Also called “Oxidation State method”, it is a method that provides a relatively easy way to balance redox (including ionic redox) equations. The underline principle is that the gain in the oxidation number (number of electrons) in one reactant must equal to the loss in the oxidation number of the other reactant (this is referred to as the conservation of electrons).
Half-reaction Equation Method:
A method for balancing redox equations. This method assumes the reaction occurs in aqueous, acidic solution where H2O and H+ are plentiful. If the reaction occurs in a basic solution, this method allows for a correction at the end.
Also called “Oxidation State method”, it is a method that provides a relatively easy way to balance redox (including ionic redox) equations. The underline principle is that the gain in the oxidation number (number of electrons) in one reactant must equal to the loss in the oxidation number of the other reactant (this is referred to as the conservation of electrons).
Half-reaction Equation Method:
A method for balancing redox equations. This method assumes the reaction occurs in aqueous, acidic solution where H2O and H+ are plentiful. If the reaction occurs in a basic solution, this method allows for a correction at the end.
References
- Di Guiseppe, M., Haberer, S., Salciccioli, K., Sanader, M, Vavitsas, A. (2012) Chemistry 12. Toronto: Nelson Education Ltd.
- van Kessel, H., Jenkins, F., Davies, L., Plumb, D., Di Guiseppe, M., Lantz, O., Tompkins, D. (2003). Chemistry 12. Toronto: Thomson Canada Limited.
- http://www.wikipedia.org