Balancing an oxidation-reduction reaction in acidic solution, follow:

1. Assign oxidation states to all atoms. Identify what is being oxidized and reduced.

2. Separate overall reaction into two half-reactions

3. Balance all atoms except H and O

4. Balance O (by adding H2O)

5. Balance H (by adding H+)

6. Balance charges (by adding e–)

7. Make the number of e– in both half reactions equal

8. Combine both half-reactions canceling out terms

If balancing in a basic solution, complete all steps above and then:

9. If solution is basic, add enough OH– to combine with all H+ (on left hand side) to make H2O. Add same number of OH– to right hand side.

10. Combine H+ and OH– to make H2O