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Is there an easy way to understand oxidation states?

April 26, 2017Chemistry easy Mathematics oxidation understand

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Is there an easy way to understand oxidation states?

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Calculate oxidation states using H = +1, O = -2, and all elements in their elemental states as 0. Rare exceptions: H = -1 in hydrides like NaH, and O = -1 in peroxides like H2O2. Oxidation is an increase in oxidation number. Reduction is a decrease in oxidation number. An increase in oxidation number means that the oxidation number is getting more plus, therefore less minus. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, which are (-). A decrease in oxidation number means that the oxidation number is getting less plus, therefore more minus. Reduction is the gain of (-) electrons.