Definition of Half Reactions



In the case of galvanic cells, there are two half cells; each half cell is being engaged in either the process of oxidation or reduction. The half-reaction is therefore a component of the redox reaction that is undergoing either oxidation or reduction reaction.

 


The electrode which is responsible for the process of oxidation is anode whereas reduction takes place at the cathode and the half-reactions are written in order to describe the metals which are undergoing these reactions. The half-reaction is also considered as a method by which the redox equations are balanced.

 

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