Oxidation States and Numbers

The video tutorial explains how to find the oxidation numbers for each element in dinitrogen dioxide (N2O2). It begins by noting that N2O2 is a neutral compound, meaning the oxidation numbers must sum to zero. The oxidation state of nitrogen is unknown and is represented as 'x', while oxygen is known to be -2. By setting up an equation, the oxidation number for nitrogen is determined to be +2. The tutorial concludes with a summary of the calculation process.

What is the oxidation number of a neutral compound?

• It is undefined.

• It adds up to zero.

• It is always negative.

• It is always positive.

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

• It is equal to the atomic number.

• It is zero.

• It is equal to the number of electrons.

• It is equal to the number of atoms.

What is the typical oxidation state of oxygen in compounds?

• +2

• -2

• 0

• +1

In which case does oxygen not have an oxidation state of -2?

• When bonded to carbon

• In water

• In peroxides

• When bonded to hydrogen

How can you calculate the oxidation number of nitrogen in N2O2?

• By guessing

• By using the periodic table

• By using the known oxidation state of oxygen

• By assuming it is always zero

Which equation can be used to find the oxidation number of nitrogen in N2O2?

• 2x - 4 = 0

• 2x - 2 = 0

• 2x + 2 = 0

• 2x + 4 = 0

What is the oxidation number of nitrogen in N2O2?

• +1

• 0

• +2

• -1