Hierarchical+Rules+For+Assiging+Oxidation+States

Rules for Oxidation states 1.) The oxidation state of an atom in a free element is 0. 2.) The oxidation state of a monatomic ion is equal to its charge. 3.)The sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in: a. a netral molecule or formula unit is 0. b. An ion is equal to the charge of the ion. 4.) In their compounds, metals have positive oxidation states. a.) Group 1A metals always have an oxidation state of +1 b.)Group 2A metals always have an oxidation state of +2 5.) in their compounds, nonmetals are assigned oxidation states according to the following which is also hierarchical.

Fluorine -1 Hydrogen +1 Oxygen -2 Group 7A -1 Group 6A -2 Group 5A -3