Separate this redox reaction into its balanced component half-reactions. what is the oxidation and reduction half reactions
cl2 + 2cs yields 2cscl

The reduction reaction is: Cl₂ + 2 e⁻ ⇄ 2 Cl⁻

The oxidation reaction is: Cs ⇄ Cs⁺ + 1 e⁻

Explanation:

In a redox reaction, two half-reactions happen simultaneously. The oxidation refers to a species losing electrons. The reduction refers to a species gaining electrons.

Let's consider the following reaction.

Cl₂ + 2 Cs ⇄ 2CsCl

We can write the ionic equation.

Cl₂ + 2 Cs ⇄ 2 Cs⁺ + 2 Cl⁻

The reduction reaction is: Cl₂ + 2 e⁻ ⇄ 2 Cl⁻

We added 2 electrons to the left (electrons gained) to balance the half-reaction electrically.

The oxidation reaction is: Cs ⇄ Cs⁺ + 1 e⁻

We added 1 electron to the right (electrons lost) to balance the half-reaction electrically.