Separate the redox reaction into its component half‑reactions. 3O2+4Co⟶2Co2O3 Use the symbol e− for an electron.

Question

How would these be split into thier respective half-reactions?

Answer 1

3O₂ + 4Co ==> 2Co₂O₃

Look at the oxidation numbers of each element on the left and right sides of the equation:

Oxygen on the left is zero and on the right it is 2-. That means oxygen has been reduced.

Co on the left is zero and on the right it is 2+. That means Co has been oxidized

Now we can write the reduction and the oxidation half reactions using e- (electrons to balance charge):

3O₂ + 12e- ==> 6O^2- ... reduction half reaction

4Co ==> 4Co²⁺ + 8e- ... oxidation half reaction