answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

No, they can't only have positive oxidation numbers in compounds.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

2mo ago

Yes, metals can have positive oxidation numbers when they lose electrons to form cations. However, metals typically do not have negative oxidation numbers since they usually do not gain electrons to form anions.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Can metals have positive and negative oxidation numbers?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Chemistry

Does a metal or nonmetal have both positive and negative oxidation numbers?

A metal typically has only positive oxidation numbers, while a nonmetal can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers. Metals tend to lose electrons (positive oxidation numbers) to form cations, while nonmetals can gain or lose electrons to form a variety of oxidation states.


How do oxidation numbers determine if an element is a metal or a nonmetal?

Oxidation numbers help determine the type of element based on the tendency of elements to gain or lose electrons. Metals typically have positive oxidation numbers (since they tend to lose electrons to form cations), while nonmetals have negative oxidation numbers or share electrons (to form anions). This difference in electron behavior distinguishes metals from nonmetals based on their oxidation numbers.


What is the oxidation number of non metals?

The oxidation number of non-metals can vary depending on the element and the compound it is in. Generally, non-metals tend to have negative oxidation numbers when they form compounds with metals, but they can also have positive oxidation numbers when they form compounds with other non-metals.


What can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers?

Molecules with transition metals like manganese, iron, or copper can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers. The oxidation number depends on the specific chemical environment and the oxidation state of the metal ion.


Is a property that can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers a metal or nonmetal?

A property that can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers typically corresponds to a metal. Metals tend to lose electrons to form positive oxidation states and gain electrons to form negative oxidation states, while nonmetals typically gain electrons to form negative oxidation states.

Related questions

Do metals have both positive and negative oxidation numbers?

No, the can only have positive oxidation numbers


Does a metal or nonmetal have both positive and negative oxidation numbers?

A metal typically has only positive oxidation numbers, while a nonmetal can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers. Metals tend to lose electrons (positive oxidation numbers) to form cations, while nonmetals can gain or lose electrons to form a variety of oxidation states.


How do oxidation numbers determine if an element is a metal or a nonmetal?

Oxidation numbers help determine the type of element based on the tendency of elements to gain or lose electrons. Metals typically have positive oxidation numbers (since they tend to lose electrons to form cations), while nonmetals have negative oxidation numbers or share electrons (to form anions). This difference in electron behavior distinguishes metals from nonmetals based on their oxidation numbers.


What is the oxidation number of non metals?

The oxidation number of non-metals can vary depending on the element and the compound it is in. Generally, non-metals tend to have negative oxidation numbers when they form compounds with metals, but they can also have positive oxidation numbers when they form compounds with other non-metals.


What can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers?

Molecules with transition metals like manganese, iron, or copper can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers. The oxidation number depends on the specific chemical environment and the oxidation state of the metal ion.


Is a property that can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers a metal or nonmetal?

A property that can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers typically corresponds to a metal. Metals tend to lose electrons to form positive oxidation states and gain electrons to form negative oxidation states, while nonmetals typically gain electrons to form negative oxidation states.


Do nonmetals have positive and negative oxidation numbers?

Nonmetals typically have negative oxidation numbers, as they tend to gain electrons in chemical reactions. However, in certain compounds or instances, nonmetals can also have positive oxidation numbers if they lose electrons.


What is an oxidation number and how does an atom get one?

Before involving any chemical reactions or bonds, an atom has an oxidation number of zero. Accepting electrons will lower the oxidation number to negative numbers. Discharging electrons such as metals will result in positive oxidation numbers.


Are electron affinity values usually positive or negative numbers?

Positive for nonmetals and negative for metals


Do all metals have two oxidation numbers?

No, not all metals have two oxidation numbers. Some metals may have multiple oxidation numbers depending on the bonding situation and the compounds they form.


What do metals do when they combine with non metals like oxygen?

Metals tend to lose electrons when they combine with non-metals like oxygen, forming positive ions. These positive ions then combine with the negative ions of non-metals like oxygen to form compounds, such as metal oxides.


Where on the periodic table has a positive oxidation number?

Elements on the left side of the periodic table (Groups 1, 2, and 13) typically have positive oxidation numbers since they tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. For example, Group 1 elements like sodium have an oxidation state of +1, while Group 2 elements like magnesium have an oxidation state of +2.