In this chemical reaction, there is transfer of electrons from zinc (Zn) to copper (Cu). Zinc change oxidation number from 0 to +2 (lost electrons) and copper change oxidation number from +2 to 0 (gain electrons).
Oxidation half reaction: Zn⁰ → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻.
Reduction half reaction: Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu⁰.
In other chemical reactions, there is no change of oxidation number of elements.
