coefficients for oxidation number

[Aishwarya Kosgi 1F]

Hi! I was wondering if you have to consider the coefficient of a molecule in a chemical reaction when identifying its oxidation number? If so, do you multiply the atom's oxidation number by the coefficient? Thanks!

[Chem_Mod]

No you do not need to add this into your calculation of oxidation number. The coefficient is just used to balance the equation and should also be taken into account for balancing the overall charge on each side of the equation.

[Brandon Le 3C]

The oxidation numbers are specific to the atom/molecule you are working with, not with the entire reaction. However, you do have to keep in mind that the charges in a chemical equation must also be balanced (although this is unrelated to the oxidation number in terms of the reaction).

[Jason_John_2F]

the coefficient isn't used to calculate oxidation number but you have to keep in mind the coefficient for the overall charge of the equation

[Mackenzie Stockton 2H]

Look at the coefficient when balancing the overall charge on each side of the reaction.

[Juliet Carr 1F]

The stoichiometric coefficients do not affect the oxidation number of individual elements or molecules, however it is important to consider them when calculating and balancing the reaction's overall charge.

[Ryan Agcaoili 2E]

Coefficients are independent from oxidation number. Coefficients are used to balance the equation, whereas oxidation number represents the number of electrons gained or lost in an atom.

[Chinyere Okeke 2J]

We don't use the coefficient of a molecule to calculate the oxidation number because the oxidation number of an element is independent of the stoichiometric coefficient of the reaction. However, the coefficient IS used to balance the overall charge of the reaction so that both sides have the same charge.

[Leyla Anwar 3B]

The oxidation numbers are specific to the atom/molecule you are working with, not with the entire reaction. However, you do have to keep in mind that the charges in a chemical equation must also be balanced (although this is unrelated to the oxidation number in terms of the reaction).

Does this mean that every element has its own oxidation number and it doesn't have to do with balancing the equation?

[Edwin Liang 1I]

Simply remember, coefficients do not affect oxidation numbers. There is no relationship with coefficients and oxidation numbers at all.

[Adam Bustamante 1I]

coefficients do not affect the oxidation numbers; they're just there to help balance the chemical equation.

[joshtully]

Coefficients do not affect oxidation numbers.

[Jared Limqueco 3E]

Coefficients are used for balancing the equation and do not affect oxidation numbers

[Hana Sigsbee 3B]

No, I don't think so, I think the coefficient balances the equation but is not part of the calculation.

[Diana Aguilar 3H]

I believe coefficients do not affect the oxidation number, they are just there to help balance the equation.

[Truman Chong Dis 3G]

Coefficients do not have an effect on the oxidation number. However, something that can be particularly relevant are subscript numbers especially in molecules that contain polyatomic ions.

[Jerry_T]

Coefficients are used to balance the reaction, but they do not affect the oxidation number so they aren't used in the calculation.

[kristinalaudis3e]

no they dont need to be part of the calculation

[Elizabeth Kaplan 3I]

Hi, coefficients are not relevant to determining the oxidation number of an atom, but is relevant when determining the total charge of each side of the reaction to ensure it is properly balanced.

[David Liu 1E]

the coefficient doesn't matter because it doesn't affect the oxidation numbers for the elements

[reyvalui_3g]

The coefficients have no effect on the oxidation number.

[Carly_Lipschitz_3H]

No, coefficients do not effect the oxidation number. So, you do not have to take them into account for oxidation number.

[emwoodc]

You don't have to worry about the coefficients! They aren't used in the calculations