CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY

Can someone explain how to balance half reactions when calculating the standard reduction potential? Do we treat the equations like how we would normally balance chemical reactions?

You can balance the half reactions like you would normally when balancing equations, and you can check your answer by making sure the charges on either side of the reaction are the same

because standard reduction potentials (E°)are intensive properties, they stay the same even when balanced so moles don't matter. however if the reduction half equations are reversed don't forget to change the sign of E°

Just make sure that the number of electrons cancel out and the charges are balanced and you should be good to calculate the standard reaction potential by adding up E for each half reaction