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 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

What is the oxidation number of an element in its standard state?

Back

0

Front

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

Back

Assign oxidation numbers based on a set of rules, considering the electronegativity of the atoms involved.

Front

What happens to the oxidation number of an atom that is oxidized?

Back

The oxidation number increases.

Front

What happens to the oxidation number of an atom that is reduced?

Back

The oxidation number decreases.