Multiple Choice
What is the effective nuclear charge (Z_{eff}) experienced by a valence electron in an oxygen atom?
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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 number of sulfur (S) in the compound Na2SO4?
A
+6
B
+4
C
0
D
-2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the overall charge of the compound Na2SO4, which is neutral (0).
Assign the known oxidation numbers: sodium (Na) is an alkali metal with an oxidation number of +1, and oxygen (O) in most compounds is typically -2.
Set up an equation to represent the sum of oxidation numbers in the compound: 2(Na) + 1(S) + 4(O) = 0, where the oxidation number of sulfur (S) is unknown.
Substitute the known values into the equation: 2(+1) + x + 4(-2) = 0, where x is the oxidation number of sulfur.
Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation number of sulfur.
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