What is the typical oxidation state of hydrogen in most of its compounds?

• A. -1
• B. +1
• C. +2
• D. 0

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the oxidation state (or oxidation number) of an element in a compound represents the hypothetical charge that atom would have if all bonds were completely ionic.
2. Recall that hydrogen typically forms one bond in most of its compounds, such as in water (H\_2O) or methane (CH\_4).
3. Consider the electronegativity difference: hydrogen is less electronegative than most nonmetals it bonds with, so it usually loses electron density, resulting in a positive oxidation state.
4. Recognize that in most compounds, hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1 because it is bonded to more electronegative elements and effectively 'loses' one electron.
5. Note the exception: when hydrogen is bonded to metals in metal hydrides (like NaH), it can have an oxidation state of -1, but this is less common.