* Oxidation number refers to the charge an atom *would* have if all its bonds were 100% ionic. It's a way to keep track of electron distribution in a molecule or ion.
* Charge refers to the actual net electrical charge of an ion.
So, they are essentially the same thing when discussing an ion.
For example:
* Chloride ion (Cl-) has an oxidation number of -1 and a charge of -1.
* Sodium ion (Na+) has an oxidation number of +1 and a charge of +1.
Key differences:
* Oxidation number: Applies to individual atoms within a molecule or ion. Can be positive, negative, or zero.
* Charge: Applies to the entire ion or molecule. Represents the net electrical charge.
Let me know if you have any specific ions in mind and want to explore their oxidation numbers!
