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2. What is the oxidation number of Na in Na2O?<br />
Since O = -2, the two Na must each be +1.<br />
3. What is the oxidation number of Cl in ClO¯?<br />
The O is -2, but since a -1 must be left over, then the Cl is +1.<br />
4. What is the oxidation number for each element in KMnO4?<br />
K = +1 because KCl exists. We know the Cl = -1 because HCl exists.<br />
O = -2 by definition<br />
Mn = +7. There are 4 oxygens for a total of -8, K is +1, so Mn must be the rest.<br />
5. What is the oxidation number of S in SO4 2¯<br />
O = -2. There are four oxygens for -8 total. Since -2 must be left over, the S must = +6.<br />
Please note that, if there is no charge indicated on a formula, the total charge is taken to be zero.<br />
Practice Problems<br />
Find oxidation numbers<br />
1. N in NO3¯<br />
2. C in CO3 2¯<br />
3. Cr in CrO4 2¯<br />
N is 5+ because the charge is -1 so -6+5=-1<br />
C is 4+ because the charge is -2 so -6+4= -2<br />
Cr is +6 because the charge is -2 so -8+6=-2<br />
4. Cr in Cr2O7 2¯<br />
5. Fe in Fe2O3<br />
6. Pb in PbOH +<br />
7. V in VO2 +<br />
8. V in VO 2+<br />
9. Mn in MnO4¯<br />
10. Mn in MnO4 2¯<br />
Cr is -8 because the charge is -2 so -16-14=-2<br />
Fe is 3+ because the charge is 0 so 6-6=0<br />
2+<br />
5+<br />
4+<br />
7+<br />
6+<br />
Notes:<br />
Depending on the charge + or - number of the problem, it can vary what the oxidation number of an element can be.<br />
Oxygen is normally -2 it all depends on the ion charge. The oxidation number of something like Magnesium can change<br />
completely to something its not in charge wise so that it can complete the problem.<br />
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