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http://www.csun.edu/~hcchm001/IntroChemHandouts.html
1. All elements in their free state (uncombined with other elements) have an oxidation number of zero (for
example, Na, Cu, Mg, H2 , O2 , Cl2 , N2 ).
Na : H
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H : O : O : H
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: F : O : F :
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4. (a) The metallic element in an ionic compound has a positive oxidation number. For monoatomic
cations, the oxidation number is equal to the charge on the ion. For example, Na+ , Ca2+ , Al3+ , Fe3+ ,
etc.
(b) The nonmetallic element in an ionic compound has a negative oxidation number. For monoatomic
anions, the oxidation number is equal to the charge on the ion. For example, Cl-, S2-, N3-, etc.
5. In covalent compounds, the negative oxidation number is assigned to the most electronegative atom:
F > O > N > Cl > Br > I > S > C > H >>> metals
CaF2 H2 SO4
+2 + 2(-1) = 0 2(+1) + S + 4(-2) = 0
Find S = +6 for ox. no. of S
7. The algebraic sum of the oxidation numbers of the elements covalently bound into a polyatomic ion is
equal to the charge of the ion.
NH4 + HPO3 2-
-3 + 4(+1) = +1 +1 + P + 3(-2) = -2
Find P = +3 for ox. no. of P