Calculate the oxidation number of the chlorine in perchloric acid, HClO₄, a strong oxidizing agent. A)−1 B)+4 C)+5 D)+7 E)None of these choices are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Perchloric acid has a formula of HClO4. The oxidation number of hydrogen is always +1, and the oxidation number of oxygen is typically -2. We can assign x as the oxidation number of chlorine. Therefore, we can set up the equation:
(+1) + x + 4(-2) = 0 (the sum of the oxidation numbers in a compound is equal to zero)
Solving for x, we get x = +7. Therefore, the oxidation number of chlorine in perchloric acid is +7.

Calculate the Oxidation Number of the Chlorine in Perchloric Acid