What are oxidation numbers and how do they work?

In summary, oxidation numbers are a way to keep track of the number of electrons gained or lost by an atom in a chemical reaction. They are determined based on a few rules, such as the charge of ions and the electronegativity of elements in compounds. Oxidation numbers are important for understanding electron transfer, predicting reaction products, and balancing equations. They can also be fractional in covalent bonds.
  • #1
pencil_4
4
0
What are oxidation numbers and how do they work?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
What have you tried to understand about it? Googling the term 'oxidation number' seems like a good start. The first hit will give you an overplus of information.
 
  • #3
Yeah, googling it would give you what you need.
Also, if ever in need of a way to remember it during a test (believe me, been there done that) just remember that
"oxidation is increase in oxidation number and reduction is decrease (well, reduction obviously:P) in oxidation number"
 

1. What are oxidation numbers?

Oxidation numbers are a way to keep track of the number of electrons an atom has gained or lost in a chemical reaction. They are represented by a positive or negative number and indicate the overall charge of an atom.

2. How are oxidation numbers determined?

There are a few rules for determining oxidation numbers. In general, atoms in their elemental form have an oxidation number of 0. For ions, the oxidation number is equal to the charge of the ion. In compounds, the more electronegative element is assigned a negative oxidation number while the less electronegative element is assigned a positive oxidation number.

3. Why are oxidation numbers important?

Oxidation numbers are important because they help us understand the transfer of electrons in a chemical reaction. They also allow us to predict the products of a reaction and determine the oxidation state of an element in a compound.

4. How do oxidation numbers work in balancing equations?

Oxidation numbers are used to balance equations by ensuring that the total charge on each side of the equation is equal. This can be achieved by adjusting the oxidation numbers of certain atoms in the reactants and products.

5. Can oxidation numbers be fractional?

Yes, oxidation numbers can be fractional. This occurs when an atom shares electrons equally with another atom in a covalent bond. For example, in H2O, the oxidation number of oxygen is -0.5 since it shares electrons equally with two hydrogen atoms.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Chemistry
Replies
2
Views
820
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
995
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Chemistry
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
793
Replies
57
Views
7K
Back
Top