How do you find oxidation numbers of elements?

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 26, 2016

Normally an element is zerovalent; that is it has an oxidation number of 00.

Explanation:

When we assign oxidation numbers to atoms in molecules we formally separate charges and electrons. An element is conceived to have a 00 oxidation state, in that electron transfer has not taken place.

For instance in the simple combustion rxn:

C + O_2 rarr CO_2C+O2→CO2

The carbon is the reductant, and transfers electron to the oxidant; clearly a redox process is exemplified.

Related questions
See all questions in Oxidation Numbers
Impact of this question
1732 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License