When combining two redox equations to obtain the overall reaction, which of the following is the primary reason one or both equations are first multiplied by an integer factor?
(a) To ensure that spectator ions do not appear in the final equation.
(b) To make the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides of the equation.
(c) To cancel the electrons by making the number lost equal to the number gained.
(d) To adjust every oxidation state to the same reference zero.