Understanding Oxidation States

What is the oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

• 0

• -1

• -2

• +1

What is the oxidation state of hydrogen when bonded to nonmetals?

• -1

• +1

• +2

• 0

In a neutral compound, what is the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms?

• 2

• 0

• -1

• 1

What is the oxidation state of an element in its standard state?

• 0

• -1

• +2

• +1

How do you determine the oxidation state of an element in a polyatomic ion?

• The oxidation state is always zero in polyatomic ions.

• Oxidation states can only be determined in ionic compounds.

• The oxidation state of an element in a polyatomic ion is determined by balancing the known oxidation states with the overall charge of the ion.

• The oxidation state is determined by the number of protons in the nucleus.

What is the oxidation state of chlorine in NaCl?

• -2

• 0

• +1

• -1

What rule applies to alkali metals in compounds regarding their oxidation state?

• +2

• 0

• -1

• +1

What is the oxidation state of sulfur in H2SO4?

• +2

• +4

• 0

• +6

How does the oxidation state change in a redox reaction?

• The oxidation state changes only in the presence of a catalyst.

• The oxidation state changes due to the transfer of electrons; it increases during oxidation and decreases during reduction.

• Oxidation and reduction do not affect the oxidation state.

• The oxidation state remains constant throughout the reaction.

What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in NH3?

• +1

• -1

• +3

• -3