What is an oxidation number or oxidation state ? how is it useful to identify redox reactions, oxidant and reductant ?

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Solution

Oxidation number or oxidation state of an element is the total no. of electrons gained or lost by that element in a chemical reaction.
A redox reaction is the reaction which involves transfer of electron between two species. One of the species that gain electron is called reductant and the other one which losses electron is oxidant.

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