Assign oxidation states to each atom in each element, ion, or compound. Cl₂, Fe³⁺, CuCl₂, CH₄, Cr₂O₇^2–, HSO₄^–

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For Cl2, since it is a diatomic molecule of the same element, each Cl atom has an oxidation state of 0.

For Fe3+, the oxidation state of Fe is +3, as indicated by the charge of the ion.

In CuCl2, assign the oxidation state of Cl as -1 (common for halogens), and use the fact that the compound is neutral to find the oxidation state of Cu.

For CH4, assign the oxidation state of H as +1 (common for hydrogen in compounds), and use the fact that the compound is neutral to find the oxidation state of C.

In Cr2O7^2-, assign the oxidation state of O as -2 (common for oxygen), and use the overall charge of the ion to find the oxidation state of Cr.

For HSO4-, assign the oxidation state of H as +1 and O as -2, then use the overall charge of the ion to find the oxidation state of S.

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Key Concepts

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

Oxidation States

Oxidation states, or oxidation numbers, are a way to keep track of electrons in chemical compounds. They indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a substance, helping to determine how electrons are transferred in redox reactions. The oxidation state of an atom can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on its electron gain or loss relative to its elemental form.

Rules for Assigning Oxidation States

There are specific rules for assigning oxidation states, such as: the oxidation state of an element in its standard state is zero, the oxidation state of a monoatomic ion equals its charge, and in compounds, hydrogen is usually +1 while oxygen is typically -2. These rules provide a systematic approach to determine the oxidation states of atoms in various compounds and ions.

Common Oxidation States of Elements

Different elements have common oxidation states that they typically exhibit in compounds. For example, alkali metals usually have an oxidation state of +1, alkaline earth metals +2, and transition metals can have multiple oxidation states. Understanding these common states aids in predicting the behavior of elements in chemical reactions and helps in assigning oxidation states accurately.

Assign oxidation states to each atom in each element, ion, or compound. Cl2, Fe3+, CuCl2, CH4, Cr2O72–, HSO4–