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Oxidation number guide (1)

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2 views

Oxidation number guide (1)

Uploaded by

ravi.komaragiri76
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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How to Calculate Oxidation Numbers

Oxidation numbers (or states) are values assigned to elements in a chemical


compound that indicate the degree of oxidation or reduction of that element.

Rules for Calculating Oxidation Numbers

Element by Itself:
 Pure element has an Hydrogen:
oxidation number of 0.
 Has an oxidation number of
Example: O₂, N₂, Cl₂ → Oxidation +1 when bonded to
number = 0. nonmetals

 Has an oxidation number of -


Monatomic Ions: 1 when bonded to metals.
Example:
 The oxidation number of a
monatomic ion is equal to its In H₂O, H = +1.
charge.
In NaH, H = -1.
Example:

Na⁺ → Oxidation number = +1.


Oxygen:
Cl⁻ → Oxidation number = -1.
 Usually has an oxidation
number of -2, except in
peroxides (where it is -1).
Group 1 Elements:
Example:
 Always have an oxidation
number of +1 in compounds. In H₂O, O = -2.
Example: In H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide), O =
-1.
KCl → K = +1.

Group 2 Elements:
 Always have an oxidation
number of +2 in compounds.
Example:
MgO → Mg = +2.

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Halogens: In ClF₃, Cl = +3 (because F is
more electronegative).
 Usually have an oxidation
number of -1, unless bonded
with oxygen or other
halogens (can be positive). Sum of Oxidation
Numbers:
 For a neutral compound, the
sum of oxidation numbers
must equal 0

 For polyatomic ions, the sum


Example: must equal the charge of the
ion.
In NaCl, Cl = -1.

Examples and Steps to Calculate Oxidation Numbers:

Example: KCl
Step 1: Identify the elements: K (potassium) and Cl (chlorine).
Step 2: Apply the rules:
K is in Group 1A → Oxidation number = +1.
Cl is a halogen → Oxidation number = -1.
Step 3: Check the sum: +1 + (-1) = 0 (neutral compound).

Example: MgO
Step 1: Identify the elements: Mg (magnesium) and O (oxygen).
Step 2: Apply the rules:
Mg is in Group 2A → Oxidation number = +2.
O → Oxidation number = -2.
Step 3: Check the sum: +2 + (-2) = 0 (neutral compound).

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Example: NH₃ (Ammonia)
Step 1: Identify the elements: N (nitrogen) and H (hydrogen).
Step 2: Apply the rules:
H → Oxidation number = +1 (since it is with a nonmetal).
There are 3 H atoms, contributing +3 total.
Step 3: The sum must equal 0: N + 3(+1) = 0 → N = -3.
Result: Oxidation number of N = -3.

Example: CO (Carbon Monoxide)


Step 1: Identify the elements: C (carbon) and O (oxygen).
Step 2: Apply the rules:
O → Oxidation number = -2.
Step 3: The sum must equal 0: C + (-2) = 0 → C = +2.
Result: Oxidation number of C = +2.

Example: NO₃⁻ (Nitrate Ion)


Step 1: Identify the elements: N (nitrogen) and O (oxygen).
Step 2: Apply the rules:
O → Oxidation number = -2 (3 O atoms contribute -6).
Step 3: The sum must equal the ion charge (-1): N + 3(-2) = -1 → N - 6 = -1 →
N = +5.
Result: Oxidation number of N = +5.

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