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How to Calculate Oxidation Number.
Chemistry

How to Calculate Oxidation Number.

Rosemary Njeri

Oxidation number or oxidation state, is the total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses in order to form a chemical bond with another atom.

The oxidation number helps us keep track of electrons in an atom.

Formula to calculate oxidation number.

You assign oxidation numbers to the elements in a compound by using the Rules for Oxidation Numbers.

  • The oxidation number of a free element is always 0.
  • Oxidation number of a monatomic ion equals the charge of the ion.
  • H has an oxidation number of +1, but it is -1 in when combined with less electronegative elements.
  • The oxidation number of O in compounds is usually -2, but it is -1 in peroxides.
  • Group 1 element oxidation number in a compound is +1.
  • The oxidation number of a Group 2 element in a compound is +2.
  • The oxidation number of a Group 17 element in a binary compound is -1.
  • The sum of the oxidation numbers of all of the atoms in a neutral compound is 0.
  • The sum of the oxidation numbers in a poly-atomic ion is equal to the charge of the ion.

Example:

Suppose you have a nitrate ion, calculate its oxidation number.

NO3–

Since a nitrate is a poly-atomic we’ll use the last rule. Since the charge of the ion i s-1 therefore, its oxidation number will be -1.

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