Balancing Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

There are two general approaches to balancing an oxidation-reduction reaction. Sometimes one is easier, sometimes the other, so it is best to master both. Both methods start with the same two steps:

1. Write a skeleton equation that includes major reactants and products. For aqueous solution reactions, H₂O(l), H⁺(aq), OH^-(aq), and spectator ions like Na⁺(aq) may be ignored at this stage.

2. Determine the oxidation numbers of all elements. Find out which element is oxidized and which is reduced. Determine the change in oxidation number.