Ion electron method makes use of the Half reactions. Steps involved in this method are,
1. Write the equation in the net ionic form without attempting to balance it.
2. Write and locate the oxidation number of atoms undergoing oxidation and reduction from the knowledge of calculation of oxidation number.
3. Write two half reactions showing oxidation and reduction separately.
4. Balance oxygen atoms by adding required number of water molecules to the side deficient in oxygen atoms.
5. Add required number of H+ ions to the side deficient in hydrogen atom if the reaction is in acidic medium
6. Add electrons to whichever side is necessary to make up the difference in oxidation number.
7. Add the two half reactions. The resulting equation is a net balanced equation.
8. For reactions in basic medium, add H2O and hydrogen ion to balance H and O.
9. Finally balance the equation by canceling common species present on both sides of the equation.
