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Simplifying

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2020 6:06 pm
by Elizabeth Bowen 1J
Does it matter if when we make a balanced redox reaction whether we simplify the coefficients or not?

Re: Simplifying

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2020 6:21 pm
by chrisleung-2J
I think that after adding the half-rxn equations to get the overall redox equation we should technically simplify it if possible. However, in most cases I don't think we need to do further simplification since both charge and the number of atoms of each element should already be balanced.

Re: Simplifying

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2020 6:48 pm
by pmokh14B
you should usually simplify if the question asks for the overall reaction.

Re: Simplifying

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2020 4:07 am
by Celine 1F
Simplifying can be done at the very end for the overall equation

Re: Simplifying

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2020 7:36 am
by Daria MacAuslan 1H
you can definitely simplify at the end, it won't change the potentials at all. Still, usually after balancing half reactions the final one will already be in its most simplified form

Re: Simplifying

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2020 7:23 pm
by Juana Abana 1G
Simplifying can be done after adding both half reactions.

Re: Simplifying

Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2020 3:43 pm
by Jessa Maheras 4F
I think it's always easier to simplify first! Saves some time. Just be careful to make sure you balance electrons when writing the net equation!

Re: Simplifying

Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2020 3:46 pm
by Radha Patel 4I
I would simplify after you add both reactions together, so you won't make any mistakes and can double check that all of the right coefficients and molecules are in the balanced equation.