Oxidation States

Definition

Oxidation states, also known as oxidation numbers, are a measure of the degree of oxidation (loss of electrons) or reduction (gain of electrons) an atom has undergone. They help determine how electrons are shared in a chemical reaction.

Related terms

Redox Reaction:

A type of chemical reaction that involves a transfer of electrons between two species.

Electronegativity:

The ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond towards itself.

Valence Electrons:

The outermost electrons in an atom that participate in forming chemical bonds with other atoms.