Textbook Question
Determine the oxidation number for the indicated element in each of the following substances: e. Cl in HClO2
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
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What are the oxidation states of barium and oxygen in the compound BaO?
A
Barium: 0, Oxygen: 0
B
Barium: +2, Oxygen: -2
C
Barium: -2, Oxygen: +2
D
Barium: +1, Oxygen: -1
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the compound BaO, which consists of barium (Ba) and oxygen (O).
Recall that the oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds is typically -2.
Since the compound is neutral, the sum of the oxidation states must equal zero.
Assign the oxidation state of oxygen as -2, and let the oxidation state of barium be x.
Set up the equation: x + (-2) = 0, and solve for x to find the oxidation state of barium.
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