Oxidation

[Philip]

What's an oxidation number

[Kennedi2J]

Also can anyone explain what oxidation is? And what Dr. Lavelle meant by oxidation states? I don't remember him explaining the concept in class.

[madijohnson_4A]

The oxidation number represents the number of electrons gained or lost by an element. For example, the oxidation number of oxygen in a compound is usually -2 because oxygen typically gains two electrons in a chemical reaction. However, the oxidation number of a neutral element is always zero (example O2).

[Nare Nazaryan 1F]

The oxidation number/state is the charge that cation/anion has. For example, chlorine's oxidation state would be -1 (chloride).

[Madeline Phan 1E]

An oxidation number represents the number of electrons lost or gained by an electron in a redox reaction.

[Sydney Jacobs 1C]

The oxidation number, in reference to coordination compounds and complexes, is the number of electrons gained or lost (like charge) on the metal. For example, in the ion [Cr (Cl)2 (NH3)4]+, the oxidation number is III, giving the name tetraamminedichloridochromium (III). This is because the ion overall has a +1 charge, Cl- has a negative 1 charge, and ammonium has a neutral charge.

[Kehlin Hayes 4C]

The oxidation number refers to the overall charge the molecule has

[Eva Zhao 4I]

To add on, if the problem asks for the oxidation number of the metal, use:
(# of metal ion)*(oxidation number) + (# if each ligand)*(charge of each ligand) = charge of ion

The charge of the ion should be given, allowing you to isolate and solve for the oxidation number of the metal.

[EricZhao3G]

The oxidation number is the charge the atom would have if the compound was composed of ions. It is the number of electrons gained or loss to form a bond.

[Catherine Daye 1L]

An oxidation number is the number of electrons lost or gained when making a chemical bond. If it is a negative number, the atom will gain electrons. If it is a positive number, the atom will lose electrons.

[Rebecca Remple 1C]

Also can anyone explain what oxidation is? And what Dr. Lavelle meant by oxidation states? I don't remember him explaining the concept in class.

Hi Kennedi,

I agree with the other commenters about oxidation states and numbers. To answer your first questions, an oxidation reaction represents the loss of electrons. It contrasts with a reduction reaction, where electrons are gained. I hope this helps! Have a great day :D

-Rebecca

[chrischyu4a]

Oxidation numbers indicate the number of electrons gained or lost by an atom in a molecule

[Arianna Perea 3H]

is the oxidation number for the molecules always the same?

[Presley Gao 2C]

An oxidation number is a number associated with the charge that an atom would have if the compound was composed of ions.

[Abraham De Luna]

The oxidation number refers to the charge the molecule has.