At the conclusion of this section, you should be able to ...

1. Determine the oxidation state of ions and molecules and determine the oxidation state of each component atom.

1. Write balanced overall electron transfer reactions and half-reactions.

1. Given initial mass balance information and thermodynamic information, predict the direction in which an overall electron transfer reaction is spontaneous.

1. Compare the stoichiometry of an overall reaction (or two half-reactions) and, given the change in the concentration of one of the reactants (or products) that results from the progression of the overall reaction, determine the change in the concentration of the other reactants (and products).

1. For a system having a dominant oxidant or a dominant reductant, determine pe "of the system" and the effect of the dominant oxidant or reductant on the speciation of minor species.

1. Given information about the redox level in a system, interpret a pe-pH diagram to predict which species predominate.

1. Predict whether pe will increase, decrease, or stay the same upon addition of strong or weak acid, strong or weak base, salt, or other oxidizing or reducing agents.

1. Recommend chemical additions (e.g., specific oxidizing or reducing agents) to achieve a desired oxidation or reduction, or lack of.