Balancing Redox Reactions

The video tutorial explains how to balance redox reactions using two methods: the oxidation number method and the half-reaction method. The oxidation number method involves writing the skeletal equation, identifying oxidized and reduced elements, and balancing the elements. An example with aluminum and manganese IV oxide is provided. Another example involves balancing a reaction between chlorate and chloride in an acidic medium. The half-reaction method involves splitting the reaction into two half-reactions, balancing them, and combining them to get a balanced equation. An example with permanganate and sulfide in a basic medium is discussed.

Explain the half-reaction method for balancing redox reactions.

What is the significance of adding hydroxide ions in a basic medium during the balancing process?

How do you determine the number of electrons to add in the half-reaction method?