Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What is the oxidation number of manganese in MnO2?
A
+3
B
+2
C
+4
D
+6
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the oxidation number is a concept used to describe the degree of oxidation of an atom in a chemical compound. It is often used to determine how electrons are distributed among atoms in a molecule.
Recognize that in MnO2, manganese (Mn) is combined with oxygen (O). Oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2.
Set up an equation to find the oxidation number of manganese. Let the oxidation number of Mn be x. Since there are two oxygen atoms, their total contribution to the oxidation number is 2 * (-2) = -4.
Write the equation based on the fact that the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is zero: x + (-4) = 0.
Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation number of manganese: x = 4.