Redox Reactions

Redox reactions are a type of chemical reaction where the oxidation states of the the atoms change. Atoms can oxidize¹⁾ or reduce²⁾.

There are a few rules that help you calculate the oxidation number.

Elements by themselves³⁾ are always 0.

They equal the charge of the ion.

There are a few (more general) rules that can be used to determine the oxidation numbers.

• The sum of all the atom oxidation charges will equal the charge of the compound⁴⁾
• Flourine is always 1-
• Hydrogen is 1+ unless it is a hydride⁵⁾ where it is 1-
• Oxygen is 2- unless it is a peroxide where it is 1-