What is the average oxidation number of Cu in the 1-2-3 superconductor YBa₂Cu₃O₇ if Y is in the +3 oxidation state? A)+2 B)+2.33 C)+3 D)+3.33

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The compound YBa2Cu3O7 is neutral. Yttrium (Y) is +3, and barium (Ba) is +2. Oxygen (O) is -2. Let the average oxidation state of Cu be x. The equation is: 3(+3) + 2(+2) + 3(x) + 7(-2) = 0. Solving gives x = +2.33.

What Is the Average Oxidation Number of Cu in the 1-2-3