Why do we split equations?

[205154661_Dis2J]

I understand that splitting equations means separating the reduction equation from the oxidation equation but what is the purpose?

[Jacob Puchalski 1G]

It's just easier to understand what's happening; you don't really need to if you don't want to.

[Kaylee Sepulveda 4G]

The short answer is that it makes it easier to balance the equation (keep in mind charge is important now as well as stoichiometric coefficients)

Here is an article that goes more in-depth and provides some examples: https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/17-1-balancing-oxidation-reduction-reactions/

[Martina]

It makes it easier to understand which atoms are losing electrons and which are gaining electrons in the reaction.

[205150314]

makes it easier to distinguish between the redox reactions

[Nare Nazaryan 1F]

I think the whole purpose is that it helps separate the oxidation and reduction.

[Vivianvelazquez_1J]

The method used to balance redox reactions is called the Half Equation Method. In this method, the equation is separated into two half-equations; one for oxidation and one for reduction.

[Hannah Romeo 1J]

The method of splitting the redox reactions into the half reactions of oxidation and reduction allows for an easier method of balancing. Balancing each reaction on its own is simpler and less confusing which allows for a more precise answer when the reactions are combined together.

[Mitchell Koss 4G]

Its to show more detail and so you see where the e- come from

[Louise Lin 2B]

Splitting the reactions allows you to see the intermediate molecules that would not be seen in the net reaction. Also, it allows you to identify the electron transfer more easily.

[Kishan Shah 2G]

There is no other reason, other than the fact that it helps to visualize and see what is being oxidized and reduced.

[Kishan Shah 2G]

There is no other reason, other than the fact that it helps to visualize and see what is being oxidized and reduced.

[BeylemZ-1B]

It is mostly used to balance redox reactions that happen in aqueous solutions of H2O. This is because in these aqueous solutions, water can dissociate into H+(meaning there will be acidic conditions) or water can dissociate into OH- ions (meaning there will be basic conditions).

With this added factor to the redox reaction, it is easiest to balance the Hydrogen from H2O, H+, and OH- and the Oxygen from the H2O and OH- through separating the redox reaction into its 2 half reactions.