What is the oxidation number of the chromium atom in K₂Cr₂O₄? A)-2 B)+2 C)+6 D)+7

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the given compound, the total charge on the sulfate ion (SO4) is -2. Oxygen has a fixed oxidation number of -2 in most compounds, and there are four oxygen atoms in the sulfate ion, giving a total charge of -8. Therefore, the total oxidation number of sulfur and potassium together is +6 in this compound. Since the compound is neutral, the total oxidation number of chromium and oxygen together must also be +6. However, oxygen has an oxidation number of -2, so we can calculate the oxidation number of chromium as follows:

+6 = x + (-2) * 7
+6 = x - 14
x = +20

Therefore, the oxidation number of chromium in the compound is +6.

What Is the Oxidation Number of the Chromium Atom in K2Cr2O4

What Is the Oxidation Number of the Chromium Atom in K₂Cr₂O₄