When a chemical compound undergoes a chemical reaction, transfer of electrons takes place during the
formation of products. This transfer of electrons leads to oxidation state of an element depending on whether
it is losing or gaining electrons. Oxidation state calculator is the online tool which can give the oxidation state
of an element in a compound.
Example 1: Calculate the oxidation state of every element in the compound CO2.
Given:Carbon dioxide-> CO2
In the periodic table, Oxygen ‘O’ usually has the oxidation state = ‘-2’ (excluding some exceptions) because of
its valence electronic configuration.
Hence oxidation state of ‘O’ is -2.
Let Carbon, C oxidation state= x
Now since the overall charge or oxidation state on the compound = 0
Hence we get x + (2*-2) = 0-> x -4= 0 -> x = +4
Hence oxidationstate of Carbon, C is +4.
Example 2: Calculate the oxidation state of every element in the compound H2SO4
Given: Sulfuric acid-> H2SO4
In the periodic table, Oxygen ‘O’ usually has the oxidation state= ‘-2’ (excluding some exceptions) because of
its valence electronic configuration.
Hence oxidation stateof ‘O’ is -2.
Similarly oxidation stateof Hydrogen, H is +1 usually.
Let Carbon, C oxidation state= x
Now since the overall charge or oxidationstate on the compound = 0
Hence we get (2*1)+x+ (4*-2) = 0-> 2+x- 8= 0 -> x = +6
Hence oxidation stateofSulfur, S is +6.