What is the oxidation half reaction in the chemical reaction:?
There is no easy way as such, but there is a consistent way to solve this kind of problem. The oxidation half reaction contains the reactant that is oxidized. To recognize what has been oxidized you have to look at the oxidation numbers of the atoms in the reactants and products – the atom whose oxidation number has increased from reactants to products is the atom that has been oxidized. In this case Cl has an oxidation number of -1 on the reactants side and 0 on the products side. So the Cl- ion has been oxidized and D) is the correct answer. The oxidation half reaction will always have the electrons on the right hand side so don’t choose C) Oxidation numbers will always get you to the answer, but can be slow. Remembering other things can help. Remember common oxidizing agents – Cr2O7^2- and MnO4- are strong oxidizing agents. Look for things that are elements on one side of the reaction and ions or compounds on the other. Most important is to practice problems to get a feel for how th
