GCSE Chemistry- Half Equations

Added: 2026-05-20

[00:00:00]This is not a prediction, but if you are an AQA GCSE higher combined student, this is something that would definitely be on my revision list for your exam on Monday, and I'm going to show you why.

[00:00:09]First off though, our sale ends tomorrow. Go and get 20% off a subscription. The link's in the bio, and also make sure you follow us. So, every single year except 2020, half equations have come up in some form. So, here we can see in 2018, they came up as part of a three-mark question. That's quite hard that one. 2019, you had to give two half equations, one for oxidation, one for reduction. Bit easier, you're filling the gaps in. 2021, the half equation for chloride ions. 2022, you were given no structure this time, just from scratch, you had to write the half equation for the oxidation of sodium atoms. 2023, we revisit that oxidation of chloride ions equation. 2024 was the reduction of aluminum ions, and then this one here in 2025 was the oxidation of oxide ions.

[00:00:57]So, as we can see, usually come up in the context of electrolysis, but not always. But, every year except 2020, I would say that is potentially a dead cert. So, in the comments, write the half equation for the reduction of magnesium ions. Let's see if you get it right.