Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation number of the carbon atom in carbon monoxide (CO)?
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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
What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in Mg(NO_2)_2?
A
-3
B
+2
C
+3
D
+5
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the compound and its components: Mg(NO\_2)\_2 consists of one magnesium ion (Mg) and two nitrite ions (NO\_2\^-).
Recall that magnesium (Mg) is an alkaline earth metal and typically has an oxidation state of +2 in its compounds.
Assign the oxidation state of magnesium as +2. Since the compound is neutral overall, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms must be zero.
Let the oxidation state of nitrogen in the nitrite ion be x. Each nitrite ion (NO\_2\^-) has a charge of -1, so the sum of oxidation states in NO\_2\^- is -1.
Write the equation for the nitrite ion: x (for N) + 2 \times (-2) (for two oxygens) = -1. Solve for x to find the oxidation state of nitrogen.
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