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 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 an element in its elemental form?

Back

0

Front

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

Back

By using the known oxidation states of other elements in the compound and the overall charge of the compound.

Front

What is the oxidation number of Fe in FeO?

Back

+2

Front

What is the oxidation number of Fe in Fe2O3?

Back

+3

Front

What is the oxidation number of nitrogen in NH4+?

Back

-3

Front

What is the oxidation number of oxygen in H2O?

Back

-2

Front

What is the oxidation state of chlorine in ClO-?

Back

+1