Question

Assign oxidation numbers to the element in each of the following compounds. Remember an oxidation number is for one atom of the element.

a. HgO
b. Al4C3
c. CrF2
d. Fe2S3

Answer 1

Answer:

a.  x = + 2

b.  x = + 3

c.  x = + 2

d.  x = + 3

Explanation:

The oxidation number is a formal charge assigned to an atom present in a molecule or formula unit or ion based on some arbitrary rules.

a.

HgO

The oxidation number of Hg in HgO is:

x + (-2) = 0

x = +2

b.

Al₄C₃

The oxidation number of Al in Al₄C₃ is:

4x +(3 × -4) = 0

4x - 12 = 0

4x = +12

x = 12/4

x = +3

c. CrF₂

x + ( 2 × - 1) = 0

x - 2 = 0

x = + 2

d. Fe₂S₃

2x + ( 3 × - 2) = 0

2x + (-6) = 0

2x = 6

x = 6/2

x = +3