Oxidation Numbers in Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for each element in magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO3)2). It begins by identifying the compound as neutral, meaning the oxidation numbers must sum to zero. The tutorial then applies rules to assign oxidation numbers to magnesium, nitrogen, and oxygen. Magnesium, in group two, has an oxidation number of +2. Oxygen is typically -2, except in certain cases. Nitrogen's oxidation number is unknown and represented as 'x'. An equation is set up based on these values, and through solving, nitrogen's oxidation number is found to be +5. The tutorial concludes by summarizing the process of setting up and solving the equation to find unknown oxidation numbers.

What is the oxidation number of magnesium in magnesium nitrate?

• 0

• -2

• +2

• +1

Why is magnesium nitrate considered a neutral compound?

• It is an ion.

• It has no overall charge.

• It has a negative charge.

• It has a positive charge.

What variable is used to represent the oxidation number of nitrogen in the equation?

• n

• x

• z

• y

What is the typical oxidation number assigned to oxygen in compounds?

• -1

• +2

• 0

• -2

How many oxygen atoms are present in the nitrate ion?

• 2

• 1

• 3

• 4

What is the total contribution of the oxygen atoms to the oxidation state in the nitrate ion?

• -1

• -2

• -3

• -6

What is the equation set up to find the oxidation number of nitrogen?

• 2x + 12 = 0

• 2 + x - 6 = 0

• 2x - 12 = 0

• x + 6 = 0

What is the oxidation number of nitrogen in magnesium nitrate?

• +3

• +4

• +5

• +6

What is the final step in determining the oxidation number of nitrogen?

• Adding 10 to both sides

• Dividing both sides by 2

• Multiplying both sides by 2

• Subtracting 10 from both sides

What is the purpose of setting up an equation in this context?

• To find the charge of magnesium

• To determine the number of oxygen atoms

• To calculate the unknown oxidation number

• To balance the chemical equation