Oxidation Numbers and OILRIG Principles in Chemistry

What is the oxidation number of any uncombined element?

0

How does the oxidation number of a monatomic ion relate to its charge?

It equals the charge on the ion.

What oxidation number is assigned to the more-electronegative element in a binary compound?

The number equal to the charge it would have if it were an ion.

What is the oxidation number of fluorine in a compound?

Always -1.

What is the oxidation number of oxygen in most compounds?

-2, unless combined with fluorine (when it is +2) or in a peroxide (when it is -1).

Na2O2

H2O2

K2O2

What is the typical oxidation state of hydrogen in its compounds?

+1, unless combined with a metal, in which case it is -1.

What are the oxidation numbers for elements in groups 1 and 2, and aluminum?

+1 for group 1, +2 for group 2, and +3 for aluminum.

What is the sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound?

0

What does the sum of the oxidation numbers in a polyatomic ion equal?

The charge of the ion.

What does OILRIG stand for in terms of oxidation and reduction?

Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain.

What does oxidation involve in terms of oxidation number?

A gain in oxidation number.

What does reduction involve in terms of oxidation number?

A loss in oxidation number.