The Periodic Table - Compounds and Molecules

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on oxidation states and redox reactions.

Oxidation state

The hypothetical charge assigned to an atom in a compound based on its bonding.

Valence electrons

Electrons in the outer shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.

Redox reaction

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons between two species.

Spectator ion

An ion that does not participate in the overall reaction and remains unchanged.

Covalent character

The degree to which a bond between two atoms involves sharing of electrons, as opposed to purely ionic bonds.

Oxyanion

A polyatomic ion that contains oxygen, typically combined with another element.

Electronegative atom

An atom that attracts electrons in a chemical bond.

Charge conservation

The principle that the total charge must remain constant in a chemical reaction.

Variable oxidation states

The ability of some elements to exhibit different oxidation states in various compounds.

Reducing agent

A substance that donates electrons and is itself oxidized in a chemical reaction.

Oxidizing agent

A substance that accepts electrons and is itself reduced in a chemical reaction.