Chapter 18, Problem 33R

To determine

To match: the phrase “indicates how many electrons must be lost, gained or shared to achieve stability” from the study guide.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The positively and negatively charged particles are called ions and they carry positive and negative charges. A bond formed from shared electrons is called a covalent bond. An oxidation number indicates how many electrons must be gained, lost or shared to get stability.

An oxidation number gives us information about the number of electrons to be lost, gained or shared to achieve stability in the formation of a chemical formula.

For group 1, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 usually it is equal to the number of electrons present in the outermost shell.

For group 1 and 2 oxidation number are +1 and +2 respectively.

For group 13, it is +3.

For group 14, it is +4.

For group 15, it is -3.

For group 16, it is +-2.

For group 17, it is -1.

For group 18, it is 0.

The positive oxidation number shows electrons are lost, and the negative oxidation number shows electrons are gained.

Conclusion:

Hence, an oxidation number provides the information about the number of electrons to be lost, gained or shared to achieve stability.