An atom changes its oxidation number from + 3 to - 1. Is it oxidized, reduced, or neither?

Question

Chemistry

Donald Shelton

16 December, 01:23

An atom changes its oxidation number from + 3 to - 1. Is it oxidized, reduced, or neither?

+1

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Kayley · Answer 1

It has been reduced. It has gained 4 electrons which is why the oxidation number has gone down 4 from + 3 to - 1.

Lilly · Answer 2

Remember this:

if the element becomes more positive, it's being oxidized

if the element becomes more negative, it's being reduced

because the atom goes from + 3 to - 1, it's becoming more negative, so it is reduced.