What is the oxidation number of oxygen in potassium superoxide (KO_2)?

• A. -1/2
• B. -1
• C. 0
• D. -2

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula of potassium superoxide, which is KO\_2. This compound contains potassium (K) and the superoxide ion (O\_2\^-).
2. Recall that potassium (K) is an alkali metal and typically has an oxidation number of +1 in its compounds.
3. Let the oxidation number of oxygen in the superoxide ion be x. Since there are two oxygen atoms in O\_2\^-, the total oxidation number for the oxygen atoms combined is 2x.
4. The overall charge of the superoxide ion is -1, so set up the equation for the ion: 2x = -1. Solve for x to find the oxidation number of each oxygen atom.
5. Confirm that the oxidation number of oxygen in potassium superoxide is the value of x found, which is the oxidation number per oxygen atom in the superoxide ion.