Oxidation Number Examples
As of now, we know the basic rules to calculate the Oxidation Number, hence we will find the Oxidation Number of some common compounds which we come across frequently in chemistry.
We will find the Oxidation Number of the following compounds:
Oxidation Number of Manganese in KMnO4
Solution:
Let the oxidation number of Manganese in KMnO4 be equal to X
The oxidation number of Potassium = +1
The oxidation number of oxygen is = –2
⇒1 + (X) + 4×(–2)=0
⇒1 + X – 8 = 0
⇒X -7 = 0
⇒X = +7
The oxidation number of Manganese in KMnO4 is +7.
Oxidation Number of Carbon in Na2CO3
Solution:
Oxidation number of oxygen is = –2
Oxidation number of Sodium = +1
Let the oxidation number of carbon be X
⇒2(+1) + X + 3(–2) = 0
⇒2 + X – 6 = 0
⇒X – 4 = 0
⇒X = +4
Therefore X = +4
Oxidation Number of Carbon in Na2CO3 is +4
Oxidation Number of Nitrogen in Ammonium Nitrite
Solution:
Ammonium Nitrite is an ionic compound containing NH4+ and NO2– ions.
Oxidation number of nitrogen in NH4+
Let oxidation number of N atom is x
⇒ x + 4 = +1
⇒ x = 1 – 4 = -3
Oxidation number of nitrogen in NO2–
Let oxidation number of Nitrogen atom be Y
Y + 2(-2) = -1
⇒ Y – 4 = -1
⇒ Y = -1 + 4 = +3
Thus, one atom of Nitrogen in Ammonium Nitrite is in the -3 oxidation state, while the other nitrogen atom is in the +3 oxidation state.
Oxidation Number of Carbon in CN–
Solution:
Let Oxidation Number of C atom in CN– be x, Oxidation Number for N atom is -3 and the overall charge on the molecule is -1.
⇒ x – 3 = -1
⇒ x = -1 + 3 = +2
Hence, Carbon atom has oxidation number of +2 in CN–
Oxidation Number of N in NH3
Solution:
Let Oxidation Number of N in NH3 be x and we know that Oxidation Number of H is +1.
⇒ x + 3(+1) = 0
⇒ x + 3 = 0
⇒ x = -3
Hence, the Oxidation Number of N atom in NH3 is -3.
Oxidation Number | Definition, How To Find, Examples
Oxidation number is defined as the total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses to form a chemical bond with another atom.
Let’s learn about oxidation number in detail, including its rules and steps to calculate it with the help of examples.
Table of Content
- Oxidation Number Definition
- List of Oxidation Numbers
- Oxidation number of elements from 1 to 30
- How to Find Oxidation Number
- Multiple Oxidation Numbers of an Atom in a Molecule
- Oxidation Number Rules
- Fixed Oxidation Levels in Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
- Oxidation Number Examples
- Difference between Oxidation and Reduction