What is the oxidation number of chlorine in the compound NaClO\(_3\)?

• A. +5
• B. +3
• C. -1
• D. 0

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements in the compound NaClO\(_3\) and their typical oxidation states. Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal and usually has an oxidation number of +1. Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation number of -2 in most compounds.
2. Let the oxidation number of chlorine (Cl) be represented as \(x\). The compound NaClO\(_3\) is neutral, so the sum of the oxidation numbers of all atoms must equal zero.
3. Write the equation representing the sum of oxidation numbers: \(+1\) (for Na) \(+ x\) (for Cl) \(+ 3 \times (-2)\) (for three oxygens) \(= 0\).
4. Simplify the equation: \$1 + x - 6 = 0\(, which can be rearranged to \)x - 5 = 0$.
5. Solve for \(x\): \(x = +5\). Therefore, the oxidation number of chlorine in NaClO\(_3\) is +5.