Oxidation Number Method Steps .

 

The Oxidation number method is illustrated in the following steps:

Step 1: Write the unbalanced equation for redox reaction. Balance the equation for all atoms in the reactions, except H and O. Identify the atoms which undergo change in oxidation number and by how much. Draw the bracket to connect atoms of the elements that changes the oxidation number.

Step II: Show an increase in oxidation number per atom of the oxidised species and hence the net increase in oxidation number. Similarly show a decrease in the oxidation number per atom of the reduced species and the net decrease in oxidation number. Determine the factors which will make the total increase and decrease equal. Insert the coefficients into the equation.

Step III: Balance oxygen atoms by adding H.O to the side containing less O atoms, One HO is added for one O atom. Balance H atoms by adding H ions to the side having less H atoms.

Step IV: If the reaction occurs in basic medium, then add OH ions, equal to the number of H ions added in step III, on both the sides of equation. The HⓇ and OH® on same sides of reactions are combined to give HO molecules.

Step V : Check the equation with respect to both, the number of atoms of each element and the charges. It is balanced.