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Oxidation is a process of loss of electron(s) from an element or ion. After the lose of electron, the element becomes positively charged or if an undergoes oxidation then its positive charge is increased. For instance Sodium metal has 11 electrons and it can easily lose one electron (removing another electron is so difficult and it needs high energy) and becomes Na(+) ion. So its oxidation number is one.
Hence, oxidation number refers number of electrons lost by an ion or element.
Reverse of oxidation is called reduction or gain of electrons by an element or ion, in which the oxidation number is decreased. So in reduction process oxidation number is decreased.
Oxidation number may be positive or negative for ions and it must be zero for an element. If it is positive then the ion is called cation and if negative then the ion is known as anion. It entirely depends on the property of losing or gaining of electrons by an element or ion.
By,
Dr M Kanagasabapathy Ph D,
Asst. Professor, Department of Chemistry,
Rajus College, Affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University
Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu INDIA 626 117
What else can I help you with?
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.
What is THE common oxidation number for tantalum?
It shows some oxidation numbers. Generally it shows +4 oxidation numbers.
Do metals have both positive and negative oxidation numbers?
No, the can only have positive oxidation numbers
What chemical weathering called oxidation causes and nbsp?
what chemical weathering called oxidation causes
What is the sum of the oxidation numbers for P2O5?
The sum of the oxidation numbers for P2O5 is zero. In P2O5, the oxidation number for phosphorus is +5, and each oxygen atom has an oxidation number of -2. Since there are five oxygen atoms, the total sum of the oxidation numbers is 2(+5) + 5(-2) = 0.
What is the oxidation numbers in PO34?
The oxidation numbers in PO43- , phosphorus oxidation number=+5; oxygen = -2
Does oxidation numbers take into account stoicheometery?
The simple answer is not always. The stoicheometry deals with oxidation numbers only in redox reactions. The ratio of the change in oxidation numbers is straightly its stoicheometry.
What is the sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound equal to?
The sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is equal to zero. This is because in a neutral compound, the total positive oxidation numbers are balanced by the total negative oxidation numbers to give a net charge of zero.
Sum of oxidation numbers charge in a compound?
The sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is always zero, as the charges balance out. In polyatomic ions, the sum of oxidation numbers equals the charge of the ion. When determining oxidation numbers, rules such as assigning elements in their elemental state an oxidation number of zero and hydrogen an oxidation number of +1 are typically followed.
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 are the oxidation numbers of the elements fe2o3?
Oxidation numbers in Fe2O3 are respectively: Fe => +3 and O => -2
Can metals have positive and negative oxidation numbers?
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.
