Oxidation Numbers

Front

What is an oxidation number?

Back

The oxidation number is a value that represents the total number of electrons an atom either gains or loses when it forms a chemical bond.

Front

What is the oxidation number of an element in its elemental form?

Back

0

Front

What is the oxidation number of hydrogen in most compounds?

Back

+1

Front

What is the oxidation number of oxygen in most compounds?

Back

-2

Front

What is the oxidation number of alkali metals in compounds?

Back

+1

Front

What is the oxidation number of alkaline earth metals in compounds?

Back

+2

Front

What is the oxidation number of halogens in compounds?

Back

-1, unless combined with oxygen or other halogens.

Front

How do you determine the oxidation number of an atom in a compound?

Back

By using a set of rules, including the known oxidation states of other elements in the compound.

Front

What is the oxidation number of Fe in FeO?

Back

+2

Front

What is the oxidation number of O in H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide)?

Back

-1