Oxidation Numbers in Selenium Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for elements in selenium dioxide (SeO2). It begins by identifying SeO2 as a neutral compound, meaning the sum of oxidation numbers must equal zero. Oxygen is typically -2, so with two oxygen atoms, the total is -4. Therefore, selenium must be +4 to balance the compound. The video concludes by confirming the oxidation number of selenium in SeO2 is +4.

What is the charge of selenium dioxide (SeO2) as a compound?

• Variable

• Neutral

• Negative

• Positive

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

• 0

• -2

• +2

• +1

How do the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound like SeO2 add up?

• They add up to the charge of the compound.

• They add up to zero.

• They add up to the atomic mass.

• They add up to the number of atoms.

If each oxygen in SeO2 has an oxidation number of -2, what must be the oxidation number of selenium to balance the compound?

• 0

• -4

• +4

• +2

What is the final oxidation number of selenium in SeO2?

• 0

• +6

• -2

• +4