1.4. Electronic Configurations and Oxidation States of Transition Metals

Question 1

What is the oxidation number of an uncombined element?

Answer 1

0.

Question 2

What would the oxidation number for:

a) Na+
b) O2-
c) Fe3+

Answer 2

a) +1
b) -2
c) +3

Question 3

What is the usual oxidation number of oxygen?

Answer 3

-2.

Question 4

What is the usual oxidation number of hydrogen?

Answer 4

+1.

Question 5

What is the oxidation number of fluorine in all of its compounds?

Answer 5

-1.

Question 6

If there is a neutral compound, what must all the oxidation numbers add up to?

Answer 6

0.

Question 7

If there is a polyatomic ion, what must all the oxidation numbers add up to?

Answer 7

The charge of the ion.

Question 8

What is the oxidation number of chlorine in all of its compounds?

Answer 8

-1.

Question 9

What can oxidation and reduction be redefined as in terms of oxidation state?

Answer 9

Oxidation is the increase in oxidation state, reduction is the opposite.

Question 10

A compound has an oxidation state of +6 is it a:

Good Oxidising Agent
or
Good Reducing Agent

Answer 10

A good oxidising agent as compounds with high oxidation states are good oxidising agents.