Assigning Oxidation Numbers

Front

What is an oxidation number?

Back

The oxidation number is a value that represents the total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses in a chemical reaction to form a compound.

Front

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

Back

0

Front

What is the oxidation number of oxygen in most compounds?

Back

-2

Front

What is the oxidation number of hydrogen in most compounds?

Back

+1

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

How do you determine the oxidation number of chlorine in NaCl?

Back

Chlorine has an oxidation number of -1 in NaCl.

Front

What is the oxidation number of carbon in methane (CH4)?

Back

-4

Front

What is the oxidation number of chromium in Cr2O7^2-?

Back

+6

Front

How do you determine the oxidation number of nitrogen in NH4+?

Back

Nitrogen has an oxidation number of -3 in NH4+.