Chemistry: Oxidation Flashcards
What happens when something is oxidised?
it loses electrons
What is an oxidising agent?
species which accepts electrons
In an ionic compound, what does the oxidation state tell us?
how many electrons have been lost or gained
In a molecule, what does the oxidation tell us?
the distribution of electrons between elements of different electronegativity
What is the oxidation state of an element in its uncombined state?
0
What does a positive oxidation value tell us?
element has been oxidised, it has lost electrons
What does a negative oxidation state tell us?
the element has been reduced, it has gained electrons
What is the oxidation state of hydrogen?
+1 (except in metal hydrides where it is -1)
What is the oxidation state of group 1 elements?
always +1
What is the oxidation state of group 2 elements?
always +2
What is the oxidation state of aluminium?
always +3
What is the oxidation state of oxygen?
-2 (except in peroxides where it is -1 and in OF2 where it is +2)
What is the oxidation state of fluorine?
always -1
What is the oxidation state of chlorine?
-1 (positive value in F and O)
What does the sum of all oxidation stated equal to?
0, they are neutral
