QuestionJuly 26, 2025

8. Explain the rules used to assign oxidation numbers. __ 9. Why do some elements have multiple oxidation states? __

8. Explain the rules used to assign oxidation numbers. __ 9. Why do some elements have multiple oxidation states? __
8. Explain the rules used to assign oxidation numbers.
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9. Why do some elements have multiple oxidation states?
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Solution
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Answer

Oxidation numbers are assigned based on specific rules related to element type and bonding; elements have multiple oxidation states due to variable electron configurations and bonding contexts. Explanation 1. Assigning Oxidation Numbers 1. **Elemental State**: Atoms in their elemental form have an oxidation number of 0. 2. **Monoatomic Ions**: The oxidation number equals the ion's charge. 3. **Oxygen**: Usually -2, except in peroxides (-1) and superoxides (-1/2). 4. **Hydrogen**: +1 with nonmetals, -1 with metals. 5. **Alkali Metals (Group 1)**: Always +1; **Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2)**: Always +2. 6. **Halogens**: Usually -1, unless bonded to oxygen or other halogens. 7. **Sum Rule**: Sum of oxidation numbers in a compound equals the total charge. 2. Multiple Oxidation States Elements have multiple oxidation states due to variable electron configurations and bonding environments, allowing them to lose or share different numbers of electrons.

Explanation

1. Assigning Oxidation Numbers<br /> 1. **Elemental State**: Atoms in their elemental form have an oxidation number of 0.<br />2. **Monoatomic Ions**: The oxidation number equals the ion's charge.<br />3. **Oxygen**: Usually -2, except in peroxides (-1) and superoxides (-1/2).<br />4. **Hydrogen**: +1 with nonmetals, -1 with metals.<br />5. **Alkali Metals (Group 1)**: Always +1; **Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2)**: Always +2.<br />6. **Halogens**: Usually -1, unless bonded to oxygen or other halogens.<br />7. **Sum Rule**: Sum of oxidation numbers in a compound equals the total charge.<br /><br />2. Multiple Oxidation States<br /> Elements have multiple oxidation states due to variable electron configurations and bonding environments, allowing them to lose or share different numbers of electrons.
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