Oxidation State

Definition

The oxidation state of an atom is the charge that it appears to have when we assume that electrons in a bond belong entirely to the more electronegative atom.

Related terms

Reduction: This is the gain of electrons by an atom during a chemical reaction. It results in a decrease in the oxidation state.

Oxidation:

This is the loss of electrons by an atom during a chemical reaction. It results in an increase in the oxidation state.

Redox Reaction:

A type of chemical reaction that involves both reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons).