Final answer:
The number of electrons involved in each half-reaction is equal to the oxidation numbers for each element as a result of the reaction. In order to determine the number of electrons involved, compare the oxidation numbers of the elements before and after the reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of electrons involved in each half-reaction is equal to the oxidation numbers for each element as a result of the reaction.
In order to determine the number of electrons involved in each half-reaction, you will use the information about the oxidation numbers of the elements in the reaction.
For example, in the reaction HNO3 + S -> H2SO4 + NO, the oxidation numbers of H, N, S, and O before and after the reaction can be compared to determine the number of electrons involved in each half-reaction.