Multiple Choice
In which one of the following molecules does chlorine have the highest oxidation number?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
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What is the oxidation state of chlorine in HClO_2?
A
+3
B
+1
C
+5
D
-1
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the elements in the compound HClO_2: hydrogen (H), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O).
Recall the common oxidation states: hydrogen is usually +1, oxygen is usually -2, and chlorine's oxidation state is what we need to find.
Set up an equation for the sum of oxidation states in the molecule, which must equal zero because HClO_2 is a neutral compound: \$1 \times (+1) + 1 \times (x) + 2 \times (-2) = 0\(, where \)x$ is the oxidation state of chlorine.
Simplify the equation: \(+1 + x - 4 = 0\).
Solve for \(x\): \(x = 4 - 1\), which gives the oxidation state of chlorine.
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