Core Reactions: Balancing Redox Reactions in Acidic Medium

Core Reactions: Balancing Redox Equations

Slide 18 of 29

Alternative method of balancing redox equations

In addition to the method already considered, there is another method available.

The oxidation number (state) method, sometimes also called Change in Oxidation Number Method.

Basically, the method involves first balancing the change in oxidation numbers by adding coefficients in front of the oxidizing and reducing agents.

And then balancing the rest of the elements.

The oxidation number (or change in oxidation state) method can be used to balance all redox reactions, including those that occur in both acidic and basic medium.