What Are Oxidation States & Why Do They Work?

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    Oxidation States
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of oxidation states, questioning their validity and application in chemistry, particularly in relation to ionic and covalent bonding. Participants explore the implications of oxidation states in redox reactions and their relevance to molecular neutrality and charge conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the validity of oxidation states, referring to them as "contrived" and questioning their applicability.
  • One participant suggests that oxidation states can vary, using copper sulfate as an example where copper may have different oxidation states depending on its valency.
  • Another participant questions how flawed concepts of oxidation states can explain redox reactions in general chemistry.
  • It is proposed that oxidation states are useful because molecules are electrically neutral regardless of bonding type, and charge is conserved in reactions.
  • A separate inquiry about rusting and determining the age of an antique dagger is introduced, indicating a shift in focus from oxidation states to practical applications of oxidation in corrosion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity and utility of oxidation states, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the relationship between oxidation states and bonding types may not be fully explored, and the discussion includes varying interpretations of how oxidation states function in different chemical contexts.

Cheman
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Oxidation States...

I have read that the "idea of oxidation states is contrived." Why then do we use the idea and why does it work if it is not really the case? Why should we suppose everything acts like its ionic, etc?

Thanks. :smile:
 
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Cheman said:
I have read that the "idea of oxidation states is contrived." Why then do we use the idea and why does it work if it is not really the case? Why should we suppose everything acts like its ionic, etc?
I am not sure but I think it means that the compound Cupper Sulphate can have different oxidation states depending on the valency of copper.

Oxidation states is onyl related (as far as I know) to ionic bonding so the idea is not used (again, as far as I know) for covalent bonding.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
Question:If the idea of oxydation states (oxydation numbers,as i know of it,acronym ON) is flawed,how would you explain REDOX rections in general chemistry...??

Daniel.
 
Cheman said:
I have read that the "idea of oxidation states is contrived." Why then do we use the idea and why does it work if it is not really the case? Why should we suppose everything acts like its ionic, etc?

Thanks. :smile:

It works because :
(1) Molecules are electrically neutral, no matter whether they are covalent or ionic,
(2) Charge is conserved in a reaction, irrespective of the nature of the constituents.
 
Can i ask you guys somting

You guys know a lot about rust... so can you help me with a little problom.I have a antique dagger, can i tell its age,but the about of rusting...and it was inside,and dry for most of its age lenght. and if you guys can determan about how old it is then ill send you some pictures of it.thanks! :biggrin:
 

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