Question

What is the difference between oxidation number and oxidation state?

Answer 1

Oxidation number	Oxidation state
In any coordination compound if the central metal atom is bonded in ionic form then charge on the central atom signifies the oxidation number.	An electron can lose, gain, or share electrons with another atom, and that particular state is called the Oxidation state.
2. It can be applied on the coordination compound.	2. It can be applied on any element or compound.
3. Oxidation number is represented by Roman numerals.	3. Oxidation state is represented by Arabic numerals.
4. It does not represent the charge of the central metal atom.	4. It gives the charge on the central metal atom, and it can be positive and negative.
5. Example of oxidation number: The oxidation number of $\mathbf{Mn}$ in ${\left[\mathrm{Mn}{\left(H_{2}O\right)}_6\right]}^{\mathbf{2}\mathbf{+}}$is +2.	5. Example of oxidation state: The oxidation number of Carbon in Carbon dioxide is +4.