Chemistry / Unit 11 Chem 2143 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Using Oxidation Numbers to Identify Oxidized and Reduced Species
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The idea
Comparing an atom's Chem 0453 oxidation number before and after a reaction reveals oxidized (number rises) and reduced (number falls) species.
In practice
In Fe + CuSO4 → FeSO4 + Cu, iron's number rises from 0 to +2 while copper's falls from +2 to 0.
Where people slip
A changed formula alone does not prove redox — confirm the oxidation number rose or fell, per Chem 0459.
Your place on the trail
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