I keep getting “Oxidation number” questions wrong in Redox Reactions. What's the trap?
forgetting that oxidation number can be fractional or zero (e.g. in O₂, it's 0).
The usual trap: forgetting that oxidation number can be fractional or zero (e.g. in O₂, it's 0). How to avoid it: free elements always have oxidation number 0. Go back to the definition — a bookkeeping charge assigned by rules to track electron transfer.
Key point
Oxidation number
Common mistake
forgetting that oxidation number can be fractional or zero (e.g. in O₂, it's 0).
Memory tip
free elements always have oxidation number 0.
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