Chapter 20.3, Problem 28LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The two different methods for balancing a redox equation are to be compared.

Concept Introduction : A chemical process in which electrons are moved between two reactants is referred to as a redox reaction. The redox reactions include combination reactions, combustion reactions, decomposition reactions, and single-replacement reactions.

Answer to Problem 28LC

Oxidation-number-change method and the half-reaction method are the two different methods for balancing a redox equation.

Explanation of Solution

There are too many complicated oxidation reductions for trial-and-error balancing.

Fortunately, there are two organized approaches.

There are two different methods for balancing a redox equation.

They are an oxidation-number-change method and the half-reaction method.

Based on the need that the total number of electrons acquired during reduction to match the total number of electrons lost during oxidation, these two techniques are used.

In the oxidation-number-change method, balancing the redox equation is done by comparing the increase and decrease in oxidation numbers.

An equation illustrating just the reduction or just oxidation that occurs in a redox reaction is called a half-reaction.

The oxidation and reduction half-reactions are written individually in the half-reaction approach before being compared to create a balanced redox equation.