OXIDATION NUMBER Meaning and
Definition
-
The oxidation number, also commonly known as the oxidation state, is a numerical representation that indicates the degree of oxidation or reduction of an element within a compound or ion. It is an essential concept in the field of chemistry and helps identify the distribution of electrons and the redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions taking place.
The oxidation number is determined by assuming that all the bonds between atoms are 100% ionic, resulting in an unequal sharing of electrons. It is a positive or negative value assigned to an atom based on certain rules. The oxidation number of an atom in an element is zero, while the oxidation numbers of ions generally correspond to their charge. Metal atoms usually have positive oxidation numbers, while nonmetal atoms tend to have negative oxidation numbers.
The oxidation number aids in understanding the electron transfer occurring during a chemical reaction. If an atom has a higher oxidation number, it is considered to be oxidized, losing electrons to other atoms. Conversely, a lower oxidation number indicates the atom is reduced, gaining electrons from other atoms.
Understanding the oxidation numbers of elements helps in balancing chemical equations, predicting reaction products, and determining the strength of oxidizing or reducing agents. It is a fundamental concept in analyzing redox reactions, as well as in studying the behavior of transition metals, coordination compounds, and complex ions.
Common Misspellings for OXIDATION NUMBER
- ixidation number
- kxidation number
- lxidation number
- pxidation number
- 0xidation number
- 9xidation number
- ozidation number
- ocidation number
- odidation number
- osidation number
- oxudation number
- oxjdation number
- oxkdation number
- oxodation number
- ox9dation number
- ox8dation number
- oxisation number
- oxixation number
- oxication number
Etymology of OXIDATION NUMBER
The term "oxidation number" originates from the field of chemistry and is derived from the Latin word "oxido" meaning "to oxidize". The word "oxidation" refers to a chemical reaction in which an atom, ion, or molecule loses electrons, resulting in an increase in its positive charge or a decrease in its negative charge. The term "number" refers to the numerical value assigned to each atom in a compound to indicate the degree of oxidation or reduction it has undergone. Therefore, "oxidation number" represents the numerical value assigned to an atom to show its oxidation state or the number of electrons it has gained or lost during a chemical reaction.
Similar spelling words for OXIDATION NUMBER
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
