A Consistent Set of Oxidation Number Rules for Intelligent Computer Tutoring
Abstract
We have developed a method for assigning oxidation numbers that eliminates the inconsistencies and ambiguities found in most conventional textbook rules, yet remains simple enough for beginning students to use. It involves imposition of a two-level hierarchy on a set of rules similar to those already being taught. We recommend emphasizing that the oxidation number method is an approximate model and cannot always be successfully applied. This proper perspective will lead students to apply the rules more carefully in all problems. Whenever failure does occur, it will indicate the limitations of the oxidation number concept itself, rather than merely the failure of a poorly constructed set of rules. We have used these improved rules as the basis for an intelligent tutoring program on oxidation numbers.
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This article is cited by 4 publications.
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- Vipul Gupta, Hasitha Ganegoda, Mark H. Engelhard, Jeff Terry, and Matthew R. Linford . Assigning Oxidation States to Organic Compounds via Predictions from X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: A Discussion of Approaches and Recommended Improvements. Journal of Chemical Education 2014, 91 (2) , 232-238. https://doi.org/10.1021/ed400401c
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- Plinio Sosa. Representación algebraica del método de Kauffman para asignar números de oxidación. Educación Química 2014, 25 , 223-228. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0187-893X(14)70561-0