Rules In oxidation number

  1. The oxidation number of all elements in the free state is zero e.g. Na, CL2 etc.
  2. The oxidation number of a simple ion has the same sign as the change of the Ion.

EXAMPLE:

Calculate the oxidation of carbon In CaCO2

Solution

Ca = +2, O = 2
∴Ca2+; O-2
∴2 x 1 +x – 2×3 = 0
2 +x – 6 = 0
x – 4 = 0
x = 4

The oxidation number of carbon In CaCO3 is 4.

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