e.g. H - F H
+
I
F - I
Generally :
F always has an oxidation state of - I
O normally has an
oxidation state of - II
H has an oxidation
state of + I
THE SUM OF OXIDATION NUMBERS IN A FORMULA MUST EQUAL THE CHARGE WRITTEN FOR THE FORMULA
e.g OH- O - II
H + I sum = - I
ClO4- O - II
Cl +VII sum = - I (4x-2+7)