Oxidation States and Ionic Charges

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for each element in potassium nitride (K3N). It begins by noting that K3N is a neutral compound, meaning the sum of its oxidation numbers is zero. Potassium, being in group one of the periodic table, has a +1 oxidation state. Nitrogen, which forms -3 ions, must have a -3 oxidation state in K3N to balance the three potassium atoms, each with a +1 charge. The tutorial concludes by summarizing the oxidation states of the elements in K3N.

What is the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound?

• It is always positive.

• It is always negative.

• It is zero.

• It varies depending on the compound.

Which group on the periodic table does potassium belong to?

• Group 3

• Group 4

• Group 2

• Group 1

What is the oxidation number of potassium in compounds?

• 0

• -1

• +2

• +1

When nitrogen forms ions, what charge does it typically have?

• -3

• +1

• +3

• -1

In potassium nitride, what must be the oxidation state of nitrogen to balance the compound?

• +1

• -3

• -2

• +3

Why must the oxidation state of nitrogen be -3 in potassium nitride?

• To make the compound positively charged.

• To balance the +3 from three potassium atoms.

• To make the compound negatively charged.

• To balance the +1 from one potassium atom.