Assign charges to the oxygen-containing anions in the following compounds: (a) Na2O (b) K2O2

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Identify the oxidation state of the metal in each compound. Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are both alkali metals, which typically have an oxidation state of +1.

For Na2O, assign the oxidation state of sodium as +1. Since there are two sodium atoms, the total positive charge is 2(+1) = +2.

In Na2O, the compound must be electrically neutral. Therefore, the oxygen must balance the +2 charge from the sodium atoms. Assign the oxidation state of oxygen in Na2O as -2.

For K2O2, assign the oxidation state of potassium as +1. Since there are two potassium atoms, the total positive charge is 2(+1) = +2.

In K2O2, the compound must be electrically neutral. The peroxide ion (O2^2-) has a charge of -2, with each oxygen having an oxidation state of -1.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxidation States

Oxidation states are a way to keep track of electrons in chemical compounds. They indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a substance, which helps in determining the charge of ions. In ionic compounds, the oxidation state of an element can often be inferred from its position in the periodic table and its typical bonding behavior.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The overall charge of the compound is neutral, meaning the total positive charge from cations must balance the total negative charge from anions. Understanding the composition of these compounds is essential for assigning charges to the ions present.

Common Anions

Common anions are negatively charged ions that frequently occur in various compounds. For example, in the case of oxygen, it can form anions such as oxide (O^2-) and peroxide (O2^2-). Recognizing these common anions and their typical charges is crucial for accurately determining the charges in compounds like Na2O and K2O2.