Oxidation Numbers
What is Oxidation Numbers?
Oxidation numbers (oxidation states) are hypothetical charges assigned to atoms in molecules or ions according to a set of rules that assume all bonds are ionic. They provide a bookkeeping device for tracking electron transfer in redox reactions and are essential in balancing redox equations and identifying oxidizing and reducing agents. An increase in oxidation number indicates oxidation (electron loss), while a decrease indicates reduction (electron gain).
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Oxidation numbers (oxidation states) are hypothetical charges assigned to atoms in molecules or ions according to a set of rules that assume all bonds are ionic. They provide a bookkeeping device for tracking electron transfer in redox reactions and are essential in balancing redox equations and identifying oxidizing and reducing agents. An increase in oxidation number indicates oxidation (electron loss), while a decrease indicates reduction (electron gain).