Q. Define Oxidation state of an atom?

Oxidation State: Oxidation state of an atom is defined as an apparent or formal charge on that particular atom in a molecule. In majority of the cases it is easily identified. For example, a complex [Cu (NH₃)₄] Cl2 has the copper ion in the oxidation state of +2 since NH₃ molecules are neutral or do not carry any net charge. Note that the valence is not the same as oxidation state. We can say that in the above complex, copper shows a covalence of four and electrovalence of two. In some cases, however, it may not be easy to find out the oxidation state of the metal ion from the knowledge of the formula of the complex only. Suppose we consider a complex like [Fe(H₅O)2NO]^2+. We also know that NO can exist as a neutral entity having no charge or as NO^- or NO⁺. Now if in the above compound NO is acting as a neutral molecule, the oxidation state of Fe would be +2. If NO is present as NO^-, Fe would be in +3 oxidation state. Finally if it is present in the form of NO^+, Fe would have +I oxidation state. Thus more information is required before the Oxidation State of the metal ion can be decided.

Posted Date: 7/10/2013 8:56:58 AM | Location : United States

Ask an Expert

Related Discussions:- Define oxidation state of an atom, Assignment Help, Ask Question on Define oxidation state of an atom, Get Answer, Expert's Help, Define oxidation state of an atom Discussions

Write discussion on Define oxidation state of an atom
Your posts are moderated

Write your message here..

Related Questions

Chemistry, importance of chemistry in computer engineering importance of chemistry in computer engineering

#title., notes on emde degradation notes on emde degradation

Hardness of water, Why does calcium sulphate form scales in high pressure b... Why does calcium sulphate form scales in high pressure boilers

Bio, reaction of ammonium molybdate with phosphate power point reaction of ammonium molybdate with phosphate power point

Separation is a process by which a mixture is divide, example of two compon... example of two component with different composition

Explain heat atomisatin, What is heat atomisatin?  Solution :  Heat of... What is heat atomisatin?  Solution :  Heat of atomisation or enthalpy of atomisation is the energy required to dissociate one mole of a given substance into atoms.

Theory ofindicators, how to make assignmant// how to make assignmant//

Calculate the mean heat capacity, a) Calculate the energy required to heat ... a) Calculate the energy required to heat 1kg of CO 2 from 400 o C to 600 o C at a constant pressure of 1atm using:- i) The mean heat capacity data given below ii) The heat c

The shape of s -orbital is, The shape of s -orbital is: (1) Pyramidal ... The shape of s -orbital is: (1) Pyramidal (2) Spherical (3)Tetrahedral (4)Dumb-bell shaped Ans: Spherical

Explain triene-triol isomer, This compound, 1,3,5-cyclohexanetrione, exists... This compound, 1,3,5-cyclohexanetrione, exists as its "triene-triol" isomer phloroglucinol because the latter is aroma