Page 373 - Chemistry eBook
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How to Write Half Reactions 1
Mg +Cl2 MgCl2
1. Assign oxidation states based on the rules that we learned. Mg0 +Cl 0 Mg+2Cl -1
• Mg0 is a free element and Cl 0 is a free element. 2
• Oxidation states in a compound must equal zero. Assign oxidation states based on Reffy, Periodic Table (p. 9). You get Mg+2Cl2-1. Check to make sure the total oxidation states of the compound equal zero: +2 +(-1 x 2) =0
We will learn how to write half reactions based on the example.
2 Explanation:
2
UNIT 10: OXIDATION & REDUCTION © 372
