Oxidation Number Examples

As of now, we know the basic rules to calculate the Oxidation Number, hence we will find the Oxidation Number of some common compounds which we come across frequently in chemistry.

We will find the Oxidation Number of the following compounds:

Oxidation Number of Manganese in KMnO4

Solution:

 Let the oxidation number of Manganese in KMnO4 be equal to X

The oxidation number of Potassium = +1

The oxidation number of oxygen is =  β€“2

β‡’1 + (X) + 4Γ—(–2)=0

β‡’1 + X – 8 = 0

β‡’X -7 = 0

β‡’X = +7

The oxidation number of Manganese in KMnO4 is +7.

Oxidation Number of Carbon in Na2CO3

Solution:

Oxidation number of oxygen is = –2

Oxidation number of Sodium = +1

Let the oxidation number of carbon be X

β‡’2(+1) + X + 3(–2) = 0

β‡’2 + X – 6 = 0

β‡’X – 4 = 0

β‡’X = +4

Therefore X = +4

Oxidation Number of Carbon in Na2CO3 is +4 

Oxidation Number of Nitrogen in Ammonium Nitrite

Solution:

Ammonium Nitrite is an ionic compound containing NH4+ and NO2– ions.

Oxidation number of nitrogen in NH4+

Let oxidation number of N atom is x

β‡’ x + 4 = +1

β‡’ x = 1 – 4 = -3

Oxidation number of nitrogen in NO2–

Let oxidation number of Nitrogen atom be Y

Y + 2(-2) = -1

β‡’ Y – 4 = -1

β‡’ Y = -1 + 4 = +3

Thus, one atom of Nitrogen in Ammonium Nitrite is in the -3 oxidation state, while the other nitrogen atom is in the +3 oxidation state.

Oxidation Number of Carbon in CN–

Solution:

Let Oxidation Number of C atom in CN– be x, Oxidation Number for N atom is -3 and the overall charge on the molecule is -1. 

β‡’ x – 3 = -1

β‡’ x = -1 + 3 = +2

Hence, Carbon atom has oxidation number of +2 in CN–

Oxidation Number of N in NH3

Solution:

Let Oxidation Number of N in NH3 be x and we know that Oxidation Number of H is +1.

β‡’ x + 3(+1) = 0

β‡’ x + 3 = 0

β‡’ x = -3

Hence, the Oxidation Number of N atom in NH3 is -3.

Oxidation Number | Definition, How To Find, Examples

Oxidation number is defined as the total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses to form a chemical bond with another atom. 

Let’s learn about oxidation number in detail, including its rules and steps to calculate it with the help of examples.

Table of Content

  • Oxidation Number Definition
  • List of Oxidation Numbers
  • Oxidation number of elements from 1 to 30
  • How to Find Oxidation Number
  • Multiple Oxidation Numbers of an Atom in a Molecule
  • Oxidation Number Rules
  • Fixed Oxidation Levels in Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
  • Oxidation Number Examples
  • Difference between Oxidation and Reduction

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Oxidation Number Definition

Oxidation Number is defined as the charge, whether positive or negative gained by an atom of an element when they form bonds with atoms of other elements either by sharing or transferring electrons....

List of Oxidation Numbers

Element Oxidation Number Hydrogen (H) +1 Oxygen (O) -2 Fluorine (F) -1 Chlorine (Cl) -1 Bromine (Br) -1 Iodine (I) -1 Group 1 metals (e.g., Li, Na, K) +1 Group 2 metals (e.g., Mg, Ca, Ba) +2 Group 13 metals (e.g., Al) +3 Group 14 elements (e.g., C in CH4) -4 Group 15 elements (e.g., N in NH3) -3 Group 16 elements (e.g., S in H2S) -2 Group 17 elements (e.g., Cl in HCl) -1...

Oxidation number of elements from 1 to 30

H +1 He 0 Li +1 Be +2 B +3 C -4/+4 N -3/+3 O -2 F -1 Ne 0 Na +1 Mg +2 Al +3 Si -4/+4 P -3/+3/+5 S -2/+4/+6 Cl -1 Ar 0 K +1 Ca +2 Sc +3 Ti +2/+3/+4 V +2/+3/+4/+5 Cr +2/+3/+6 Mn +2/+3/+4/+6/+7 Fe +2/+3/+4/+6 Co +2/+3 Ni +2/+3/+4 Cu +1/+2 Zn +2...

How to Find Oxidation Number

The oxidation number of an atom is the number of electrons lost or gained to form bonds with heteroatoms in a particular molecule. The molecule can be neutral (its overall charge is zero) or may be charged (it has some overall positive or negative charge)....

Multiple Oxidation Numbers of an Atom in a Molecule

Now will learn how to calculate multiple oxidation numbers of an atom in a molecule discussed below:...

Oxidation Number Rules

These are the rules to assign constant oxidation numbers to atoms of an element:...

Fixed Oxidation Levels in Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

In neutral atoms and molecules, the overall oxidation state is zero. For example, elements like sodium, magnesium, and iron have an oxidation state of zero. The same goes for neutral molecules like oxygen, chlorine, water, ammonia, methane, and potassium permanganate....

Oxidation Number Examples

As of now, we know the basic rules to calculate the Oxidation Number, hence we will find the Oxidation Number of some common compounds which we come across frequently in chemistry....

Difference between Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation: The loss of electrons or a rise in the positive oxidation state or decrease in the negative oxidation state of an atom, an ion, or specific atoms in a molecule is referred to as oxidation....

Oxidation Number- FAQs

What is Oxidation Number?...