Oxidation state: Learn the definition

Learn the definition, rules, and examples of oxidation number, a number that indicates the state of oxidation or reduction of an atom in a chemical reaction. Find out how to calculate the oxidation number of an atom in an ion or compound using simple steps and equations. This page explains what oxidation states (oxidation numbers) are and how to calculate and use them. Learn how to calculate the oxidation state of an atom based on its valence electrons. Find the most common oxidation states of all 118 elements in a table with bold and italic values. Oxidation Number of Periodic Table Elements Oxidation number or state of periodic table elements in a chemical compound or molecule is the formal charge (positive or negative) which assigned to the element if all the bonds in the compounds are ionic. In chemistry, the oxidation number or state is defined as the total number of electrons lost or gained by atoms or ions to form a chemical bond. Some general rules used in learning chemistry to find out or calculate the oxidation number or state ...