Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation number of chlorine (Cl) in the compound NaClO3?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
In carbon monoxide (CO), what is the oxidation number of the oxygen atom?
A
+2
B
-1
C
0
D
-2
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the general rules for assigning oxidation numbers: oxygen usually has an oxidation number of -2 in most compounds, except in peroxides or when bonded to fluorine.
Identify the oxidation number of carbon in carbon monoxide (CO). Since the molecule is neutral, the sum of oxidation numbers must be zero.
Let the oxidation number of oxygen be x. The oxidation number of carbon will then be (1 - x) because the sum must be zero: (oxidation number of C) + (oxidation number of O) = 0.
Use the known typical oxidation number of carbon in CO, which is +2, to solve for x: +2 + x = 0.
Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation number of oxygen in CO.
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