Final answer:
The algebraic sum of the individual oxidation numbers of all the atoms in a compound is equal to the charge on the compound.
Step-by-step explanation:
The algebraic sum of the individual oxidation numbers of all the atoms in a compound is equal to the charge on the compound.
For example, in the compound SO2, each oxygen atom has an oxidation number of -2. To balance the overall charge and make it neutral, the sulfur atom must have an oxidation number of +4. This does not mean that the sulfur atom has a 4+ charge, but rather it is assigned a +4 oxidation number based on the rules of assigning oxidation numbers in compounds.
In summary, the sum of oxidation numbers in a compound equals the charge on the compound.