Chapter 49

Which is the better representation of the actual charge on an atom in a moleculethe formal charge; the partial charge; the oxidation state? Why?

In which of the following are the oxidation number and the partial charge the same number? \(\mathrm{MgO} ; \mathrm{CO}_{2} ; \mathrm{NaF} ; \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} ; \mathrm{CCl}_{4} ; \mathrm{NiCl}_{2}\).

Is a species that has an atom for which there is an increase in oxidation number oxidized or reduced? Is that species the oxidizing agent or the reducing agent?

Describe, in grammatically correct English sentences, how one can determine whether or not a reaction is an oxidation-reduction reaction.