In this section we consider the equilibrium between solid metals and their ions. The limiting factor is the fact that the electrons remaining when ions go into solution are unable to move in an isolated metal. It is only when metal electrodes are connnected in a circuit that current can flow and a processs becomse feasibleas an electrochemical process. We begin with a qualitative examination of this effect.
The oxidation of non-metals can be understood by analogy with metals. To do this we use an accounting method based on the an oxidation number. The oxidation number of atomic oxygen in a compound is foxed at -2. The oxidation number of atomic hydrogen is +1. Based on the bonds formed between these elements other potential elements
