Complete the half equations by balancing it and identify each half reaction as either an oxidation or reduction reaction

Explanation:

To balance half equations of a redox reaction is important to not only balance the mass (ammount of atoms of each element in both sides of the equation), but also balance the charges (ion's charges and electrons).

For example:

The reaction:

First step is to identify the element oxidized (loses electrons/valence increases) and the  element reduced (gains electrons/valence decreases)

So we have to half equations:

Oxidation equation

Here the mass is balanced, but the charges aren't. Balancing:

Reduction equation

Balancing the mass with H2O and H+ (assuming acid medium)

Balancing charges

Global balance

explanation: it gains negative electrons, therefore becoming negatively charged. as charge cannot be created, nor destroyed, only transferred, this leaves the wool positive. now that they have opposite charges, the two items attract.