Multiple Choice
Which of the following compounds contains nitrogen with an oxidation number of +5?
28
views
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the oxidation state of copper (Cu) in Cu_2O?
A
+1
B
-1
C
0
D
+2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the chemical formula given: Cu_2O, which consists of copper (Cu) and oxygen (O).
Recall that oxygen almost always has an oxidation state of -2 in compounds (except in peroxides or when bonded to fluorine).
Let the oxidation state of copper be x. Since there are 2 copper atoms, their total contribution to charge is 2x.
Write the equation for the sum of oxidation states in the compound, which must equal zero because Cu_2O is neutral: 2x + (-2) = 0.
Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation state of copper: 2x - 2 = 0, so 2x = 2, and therefore x = +1.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Calculate Oxidation Numbers practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations