Answer
In a redox reaction, two processes happen simultaneously: reduction and oxidation. In order to better understand the transfer of electrons in a redox reaction, we often reparate the reduction reaction from the oxidation reaction and write them separately in what is known as "half-reactions." Each half-reaction is actually a reaction, and a component of a larger redox reaction. Half-reactions are made when we look at the change in oxidation states of a single substance in a redox reaction. Half-reactions are also used to balance redox reactions and quantify the number of electrons that move in a redox reaction.
Work Step by Step
In a redox reaction, two processes happen simultaneously: reduction and oxidation. In order to better understand the transfer of electrons in a redox reaction, we often reparate the reduction reaction from the oxidation reaction and write them separately in what is known as "half-reactions." Each half-reaction is actually a reaction, and a component of a larger redox reaction. Half-reactions are made when we look at the change in oxidation states of a single substance in a redox reaction. Half-reactions are also used to balance redox reactions and quantify the number of electrons that move in a redox reaction.
