Table of Contents

Redox Reactions

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

Calculating Oxidation Numbers of Atoms

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

Elements

Elements by themselves3) are always 0.

Monotomic Ions and Ions in a Compound

They equal the charge of the ion.

Elements in an Covalent Compound

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-
1)
lose electrons
2)
gain electrons
3)
includes diatomics
4)
most of the time, 0, unless it's a polyatomic in which case it's gonna be the charge of the ion
5)
hydrogen at the end of the molocule

Trace: • redox_reactions

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