easechemistry

A compound or molecule is electrically neutral - have " zero"  algebraic sum of charges - chemical species. Atoms of elements, in compound ,carry charge, that charge on atoms in chemical species is called OXIDATION NUMBER of element in compound. Oxidation number is also referred as OXIDATION STATES . In case of polyatomic molecules, algebric sum of oxidation number of each element will be equal to charge on polyatomic molecules. Examples of both cases , compound and polyatomic molecules, is discussed below.  Definition Oxidation number is the charge number either positive or negative on atoms of elements in a compound. This charge represents the ability of share, gain or loss of electron to form bonds with other elements in compound. Rules For Assigning Oxidation Numbers oxidation number or state of certain elements are assigned by following rules. Oxidation number or state of elemental forms like H2, O2, P4, S8 Cu, Al etc are always "zero" Elements of IA(Alkali me...

  Definition An oxidizing agent -also known as "OXIDIZER" and "OXIDANT"-is a reactant that oxidizes other reactant, by accepting its electron/s. So, oxidizing agent is electron acceptor in   REDOX Reactions . Examples: O2, O3, Halogens, Sulphuric acid, Nitric acid, and Potassium nitrate. A Reducing agent - also known as "REDUCTANT" - is a reactant that reduces other reactant, by donating electron/s in REDOX Reactions. So, reducing agent is electron donor in REDOX Reactions. Examples: H2, CO, Fe, Zn, Formic acid, Alkali metals and Sulphites etc Concept Points to remember In an oxidizing or reducing agent only one atom is accepting or losing electron/s respectively, not the whole agent. That atom - electron acceptor atom- usually exist in highest oxidation state in Oxidizing agent  That atom - electron donor atom- typically exist in lowest possible oxidation state in reducing agent.    Oxidation number/state of that atom- that accepts electron/s- decreases....