QuestionMay 2, 2025

What is the oxidation number of each oxygen atom in HOOH?

What is the oxidation number of each oxygen atom in HOOH?
What is the oxidation number of each oxygen atom in HOOH?

Solution
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Answer

The oxidation number of each oxygen atom in \( \text{HOOH} \) is ( \(-1\) ). Explanation 1. Identify the compound The compound given is hydrogen peroxide, with the chemical formula \( \text{H}_2\text{O}_2 \). 2. Assign known oxidation numbers In most compounds, hydrogen has an oxidation number of +1. Therefore, each hydrogen in \( \text{H}_2\text{O}_2 \) is assigned +1. 3. Calculate total oxidation number for hydrogens Since there are two hydrogen atoms, their total contribution to the oxidation number is \( 2 \times (+1) = +2 \). 4. Determine the overall charge of the molecule Hydrogen peroxide (\( \text{H}_2\text{O}_2 \)) is a neutral molecule, so the sum of the oxidation numbers must be zero. 5. Set up the equation for oxygen's oxidation number Let the oxidation number of each oxygen atom be ( x ). The equation based on the sum of oxidation numbers is: \[ 2(+1) + 2(x) = 0 \] 6. Solve for the oxidation number of oxygen Simplifying the equation gives: \[ 2 + 2x = 0 \] \[ 2x = -2 \] \[ x = -1 \]

Explanation

1. Identify the compound<br /> The compound given is hydrogen peroxide, with the chemical formula \( \text{H}_2\text{O}_2 \).<br /><br />2. Assign known oxidation numbers<br /> In most compounds, hydrogen has an oxidation number of +1. Therefore, each hydrogen in \( \text{H}_2\text{O}_2 \) is assigned +1.<br /><br />3. Calculate total oxidation number for hydrogens<br /> Since there are two hydrogen atoms, their total contribution to the oxidation number is \( 2 \times (+1) = +2 \).<br /><br />4. Determine the overall charge of the molecule<br /> Hydrogen peroxide (\( \text{H}_2\text{O}_2 \)) is a neutral molecule, so the sum of the oxidation numbers must be zero.<br /><br />5. Set up the equation for oxygen's oxidation number<br /> Let the oxidation number of each oxygen atom be ( x ). The equation based on the sum of oxidation numbers is:<br />\[ 2(+1) + 2(x) = 0 \]<br /><br />6. Solve for the oxidation number of oxygen<br /> Simplifying the equation gives:<br />\[ 2 + 2x = 0 \]<br />\[ 2x = -2 \]<br />\[ x = -1 \]
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