oxidation state
[/ˌɒk.sɪˈdeɪ.ʃən steɪt/]
nounpl: oxidation states
estado de oxidação
1. A number assigned to an element in a chemical compound that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom of that element in the compound
In water (H₂O), the oxidation state of oxygen is -2 and hydrogen is +1.
Na água (H₂O), o estado de oxidação do oxigênio é -2 e do hidrogênio é +1.
2. A conceptual construct used in oxidation-reduction reactions to track electron transfer between atoms
The oxidation state helps chemists understand which element is being oxidized and which is being reduced.
O estado de oxidação ajuda os químicos a entender qual elemento está sendo oxidado e qual está sendo reduzido.
This is a fundamental concept in chemistry education worldwide. In both Brazil and the USA, it is taught as a core principle in high school and university chemistry courses. The term is used identically in Portuguese and English scientific communities, making it one of the most universal terms in chemistry vocabulary.
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