Balancing half equations ? (redox)

Writing out the equation in OP: SO₂ + 2H₂O + 2CuCl₂ --> SO₄^2- + 4H⁺ + 2CuCl + 2Cl^-

You shouldn't really be introducing species that aren't in the full equation (like O₂²). You can balance the atoms just fine using water to balance the oxygens then protons to balance the hydrogens.

Yes, they need to be balanced as in the same atoms on either side.

I think this would be SO₂ + 2H₂O -> SO₄^2- + 4H⁺ + 2e^-
And then CuCl₂ + e^- -> CuCl + Cl^-

Note: The O^2- ion rarely exists by itself (it will always react to make an OH^- ion) so don't include it in a half equation unless it's an exception.

Thanks

I was going to balance it with the use of water and H⁺, but the in the past questions I've done it usually stated whether the reaction is done with the presence of acid. In this case it was never stated so I thought the only way to balance it was to add O^-2

Thanks

I was going to balance it with the use of water and H⁺, but the in the past questions I've done it usually stated whether the reaction is done with the presence of acid. In this case it was never stated so I thought the only way to balance it was to add O^-2