How to Balance Redox Reactions

Sometimes it is not obvious what is oxidized and what is reduced. H2S + FeCl3 = S + FeCl2 + HCl In H2S sulfur has charge -2. Hydrogen usually has charge +1. In H2S we have two hydrogens, their charge is +2. H2S is neutral then S has charge –2. At the end of the reaction sulfur becomes neutral. It is loosing 2 electrons. S2- - 2e = S Fe in FeCl3 has charge +3. At the end is gaining one electron and becomes Fe2+. Fe3+ + 1e = Fe2+ S is oxidized because it is loosing electrons. Fe is reduced