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The oxidation numbers of the elements in a chemical formula, some of which will be positive and others of which will be negative, when multiplied by the numbers of atoms with each oxidation number, must produce products that add to a net result of zero.

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11y ago
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8y ago

In a chemical compound, the sum of the oxidation numbers of the atoms always balances out to zero. In a polyatomic ion the sum of the oxidation numbers is equal to the charge of the ion. Knowing the oxidation numbers of the atoms you can then figure out their relative numbers.

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11y ago

Oxidation numbers are used to keep track of how many electrons are gained or lost by each atom.

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Q: Why must oxidation numbers be assigned to the elements before writing a chemical formula?
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