Writing Half-Equations
Part of the Oxidation and Reduction section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 11 of 27.
A half-equation shows one half of a redox reaction, with the electrons written as e⁻.
Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + Cu splits into
Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻
Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu
Oxidation: electrons on the right. Reduction: electrons on the left. Atoms and charge both balance.
Challenge
When a zinc strip dissolves in an acid, each zinc atom becomes a Zn²⁺ ion. Balance the oxidation half-equation.
Try it yourself
Equation balancerBalance the equation
ZnZn2+e−
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Oxidation and Reduction
3Half-Equations
Writing Half-EquationsBalancing with ElectronsHalf-Equations in AcidCombining Half-EquationsRecap - Permanganate