Splitting Redox Reactions

[Kaelie Blanes-Ronda 2L]

How do you know where to split the reaction into half reactions? I know that a part is oxidized and the other is reduced but what about the other molecules that don't change signs?

[Laura Riccardelli]

This is an exccelent question. I was wondering the same thing.

[Harrison Wang 1H]

The other molecules whose oxidation states remain the same throughout the reaction are spectators and don't have to be written in the final reaction.

[David Minasyan 1C]

The spectator ions get cancelled out anyway when you go from the ionic reaction to the net ionic reaction, I think. I don't think we need to know that for the test, but they cancel out anyway and don't matter.