Oxidation State (Noun)
Meaning
The degree of oxidation of an atom or ion or molecule; for simple atoms or ions the oxidation number is equal to the ionic charge; "the oxidation number of hydrogen is +1 and of oxygen is -2".
Classification
Nouns denoting quantities and units of measure.
Examples
- The oxidation state of an atom is determined by the number of electrons it gains or loses.
- Understanding the oxidation state of an ion or molecule is essential in chemistry.
- By comparing the oxidation state of the reactants and products in a reaction, one can determine whether an oxidation or reduction has occurred.
- In general, the oxidation state of hydrogen in compounds is +1, but there are some exceptions.
- Assigning the correct oxidation state to each atom in a molecule is a critical step in balancing redox equations.