Half equations - Higher tier
Half equations are most often used in electrolysisIs the decomposition of a liquid electrolyte using a direct current of electricity.. They involve either atoms and molecule gaining or losing electrons to become ions, or ions gaining or losing electrons to become atoms and molecules.
Either way, the process for writing the equation is the same.
- Write down the reactant and the product.
- Balance the atoms.
- Write the total charge underneath each species in the equation.
- Balance the charge by adding electrons.
For example, you may be asked to write the half equation for the conversion of oxide ions into an oxygen molecule.
| Step | Action | Half equation |
| 1 | Write down the reactant and the product. | O2- → O2 |
| 2 | Balance the atoms. | 2O2- → O2 |
| 3 | Write the total charge underneath each species in the equation. | \(\frac{{20}^{2-}}{(-4)}→\frac{{0}_2}{(0)}\) |
| 4 | Balance the charge by adding electrons. | 2O2- → O2 + 4e- |
| Step | 1 |
|---|---|
| Action | Write down the reactant and the product. |
| Half equation | O2- → O2 |
| Step | 2 |
|---|---|
| Action | Balance the atoms. |
| Half equation | 2O2- → O2 |
| Step | 3 |
|---|---|
| Action | Write the total charge underneath each species in the equation. |
| Half equation | \(\frac{{20}^{2-}}{(-4)}→\frac{{0}_2}{(0)}\) |
| Step | 4 |
|---|---|
| Action | Balance the charge by adding electrons. |
| Half equation | 2O2- → O2 + 4e- |
