Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation state of chlorine in HClO_2?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
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What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in N_2O_5?
A
+4
B
+2
C
+3
D
+5
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the overall charge of the compound N_2O_5, which is neutral (0).
Assign the oxidation state of oxygen as -2, since oxygen almost always has an oxidation state of -2 in compounds.
Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be x. Since there are 2 nitrogen atoms and 5 oxygen atoms, write the equation for the sum of oxidation states: \$2x + 5(-2) = 0$.
Simplify the equation: \$2x - 10 = 0$.
Solve for x: \$2x = 10\( so \)x = +5$. Therefore, the oxidation state of nitrogen in N_2O_5 is +5.
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