Multiple Choice
Which of the following compounds contains nitrogen with an oxidation number of +5?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
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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.
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