Oxidation States of Common Elements:

Alkali Metals:

• group 1

• will always have an oxidation state of +1

Alkaline earth metals:

• group 2

• oxidation state of: +2

Hydrogen:

• oxidation state of: +1

• when it is bonded to metals in hydrides oxidation is: -1

Oxygen:

• oxidation state of -2

• in peroxides, oxidation state of: -1

Halogens:

• Group 17

• oxidation state of: -1

• when bonded to oxygen/other halogens

Other nonmetals:

• ex: nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus: depends on the compound.