Calculating Oxidation Numbers An oxidation number can be assigned to a given element or compound by following the following rules. Any free element has an oxidation number equal to zero. For monoatomic ions, the oxidation number always has the same value as the net charge corresponding to the ion. The hydrogen atom (H) exhibits an oxidation state of +1. However, when bonded with an element with less electronegativity than it, it exhibits an oxidation number of -1. Oxygen has an oxidation of ... Oxidation state, or oxidation number , is the hypothetical charge of an atom in a chemical compound. Learn how to assign oxidation states, the rules and criteria, and the examples and applications of this concept in chemistry. 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.
