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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Redox Reactions  ·  NEET & JEE

The method of balancing redox reactions that involves calculating the change in oxidation numbers and multiplying coefficients to make total increase = total decrease is called:

Answer: Oxidation number method.

  • A Ion-electron method
  • B Half-reaction method
  • C Oxidation number method
  • D Le Chatelier method

Correct answer: C. Oxidation number method

Explanation: The oxidation number (or electron transfer) method directly tracks changes in oxidation states and adjusts stoichiometric coefficients so that the total electron gain equals the total electron loss.

Electron Transfer: Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + CuZnloses 2e⁻OXIDISED (Zn → Zn²⁺)2e⁻Cu²⁺gains 2e⁻REDUCED (Cu²⁺ → Cu)Zn = reducing agentCu²⁺ = oxidising agent

Electron transfer in a redox reaction: zinc loses electrons (oxidised, acts as reducing agent) and copper(II) ions gain those same electrons (reduced, acts as oxidising agent).

Concept context

Master electron transfer in chemistry: assign oxidation states, balance half-reactions, identify oxidising and reducing agents, and connect redox to everyday reactions.

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