Question

write the balanced half reaction for the reaction of Al3+ to Al
(3+ is the oxidation state)
i don't understand... wouldn't you just subtract 3 electrons from the Al3+
to make it neutral? and then the final answer would be Al-> Al?
please help.. i don't understand..

Answer 1

write the balanced half-reaction equation for the reduction of Al3+ to Al.

i'm sorry; I'm getting tired :)

Answer 2

Not quite.
You want Al^+3 + 3e ==> Al.
And you are adding three electrons and not subtracting them. It's a reduction because you are adding electrons. Oxidation is the loss of electrons.

Answer 3

ohh ok that makes sense. thank you!