Summary

Juan Sanjur
11°P
Chapter 7 Lesson 2: Oxidation Numbers

Oxidation numbers, also known as oxidation states, are a tool used in chemistry to keep track of
the distribution of electrons in chemical compounds and reactions. Essentially, they are a way of
assigning a charge to individual atoms within a molecule or ion, based on the assumption that
electrons are either gained or lost during chemical reactions. The oxidation number of an atom
can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on its electron gain or loss.

Oxidation numbers are an important concept in redox reactions, which involve the transfer of
electrons between species. In a redox reaction, the species that loses electrons is said to be
oxidized, while the species that gains electrons is said to be reduced. By assigning oxidation
numbers to the atoms involved in a reaction, it is possible to determine which atoms are
oxidized and which are reduced, and to track the flow of electrons between them.

There are a few basic rules for assigning oxidation numbers, based on the electronic
configuration of the element in question. For example, in a compound, the oxidation number of
a Group 1 element is always +1, while the oxidation number of a Group 2 element is always +2.
Oxygen has an oxidation number of -2 in most compounds, while hydrogen has an oxidation
number of +1 in most compounds. There are some exceptions to these rules, however, and the
oxidation state of an atom can vary depending on the compound it is in.

In summary, oxidation numbers are a useful tool for keeping track of electron distribution in
chemical compounds and reactions. They allow chemists to determine which atoms are oxidized
and reduced in redox reactions and to follow the flow of electrons between them. While there
are some basic rules for assigning oxidation numbers, there are also many exceptions and
variations depending on the specific compound or reaction involved.