Enter the element symbol, its oxidation state, and the quantity of atoms into the calculator to determine the total oxidation number for the element in a compound.
Oxidation Number Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the total oxidation number of an element in a compound.
TON = OS * Q
Variables:
- TON is the total oxidation number
- OS is the oxidation state of the element
- Q is the quantity of atoms of the element in the compound
To calculate the total oxidation number, multiply the oxidation state by the quantity of atoms of the element in the compound.
What is an Oxidation Number?
An oxidation number is a figure used in chemistry to indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a chemical compound. Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom, or ion. The oxidation number is also known as the oxidation state. Determining oxidation numbers is important for understanding the electronic structure of molecules and for predicting the products of chemical reactions.
How to Calculate Total Oxidation Number?
The following steps outline how to calculate the total oxidation number of an element in a compound.
- First, determine the oxidation state (OS) of the element.
- Next, determine the quantity (Q) of atoms of the element in the compound.
- Use the formula TON = OS * Q to calculate the total oxidation number (TON).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Oxidation state (OS) of the element = +3
Quantity (Q) of atoms of the element in the compound = 2
