Oxidation states

Oxidation states, also called oxidation numbers, are a way to track how electrons are redistributed when atoms form compounds. They indicate whether an atom has gained or lost electrons relative to its pure element form. For example, in water (H₂O), hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1, and oxygen is -2. These numbers help chemists understand how atoms interact and combine, revealing the transfer of electrons during reactions. Oxidation states provide a useful tool for balancing chemical equations, predicting reaction outcomes, and understanding the electronic structure of molecules.