oxidation Numbers
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oxidation Numbers
I am having trouble finding the oxidation numbers from elements. Can someone explain to me how we find them? I know there are a few rules, but I am still confused
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Re: oxidation Numbers
Usually the element will be attached to one or more other elements forming a compound. The other elements might have a charge (e.g -2 for oxygen, +1 for hydrogen, and -1 for chlorine). Usually the compound with have a total indicated charge in the upper right hand corner of the compound. If the compound doesn't have a charge indicated, then assume the compound has an overall charge of zero. Taking into account the number of each element and the charge of each element, find the charge of all the other elements in the compound besides the one you're interested in. Once you find the charge of the other elements in the compound, you know that the oxidation number of the element of interest must add up with the charge of all the other elements so that the resulting sum equals the overall indicated charge of the compound.
(remember if no charge is indicated, the compound has zero charge)
(remember if no charge is indicated, the compound has zero charge)
Re: oxidation Numbers
also, remember that neutral elements, like O2 or Cl2 have an oxidation number of 0. Any single ion such as Na+ has an oxidation number equal to the charge of the ion.
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