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Oxidation Number Calculator

Find Oxidation Number in Binary Compound

Find unknown oxidation state given the other element and overall charge

Common Oxidation States

Look up common oxidation states for an element

Oxidation State Change (Redox)

Determine electrons transferred in a redox reaction

Formula

Sum of oxidation numbers = charge of species | Oxidation: loss of e⁻ | Reduction: gain of e⁻

Frequently Asked Questions

What are oxidation numbers?
Oxidation numbers (oxidation states) represent the hypothetical charge an atom would have if all bonds were ionic. They help track electron transfer in redox reactions. Sum of all oxidation numbers = overall charge of the species.
What are the rules for assigning oxidation numbers?
1) Free elements = 0. 2) Monatomic ions = their charge. 3) F = -1 always. 4) O = -2 (except peroxides -1). 5) H = +1 with nonmetals, -1 with metals. 6) Group 1 metals = +1, Group 2 = +2. 7) Sum = overall charge.
What is the difference between oxidation and reduction?
Oxidation is loss of electrons (increase in oxidation number). Reduction is gain of electrons (decrease in oxidation number). Remember: OIL RIG (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain) or LEO GER (Lose Electrons Oxidation, Gain Electrons Reduction).

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