Oxidation Numbers and Iron Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for FeC2O4, known as iron(II) oxalate. It begins by identifying the compound as neutral, meaning the oxidation numbers must sum to zero. The key is recognizing the oxalate ion (C2O4) as having a 2- charge. This allows the determination of iron's oxidation number as +2. The video further explains how to calculate the oxidation number for carbon within the oxalate ion, resulting in +3 for each carbon atom. The tutorial concludes by summarizing the oxidation numbers for each element in FeC2O4.

What is the overall charge of the compound FeC2O4?

• Depends on the environment

• Neutral

• Negative

• Positive

What is the charge of the oxalate ion (C2O4)?

• 1+

• 2-

• 3-

• 0

Why is it challenging to determine the oxidation number of iron in FeC2O4?

• Iron has a fixed oxidation state

• Iron is not present in the compound

• Iron is a transition metal

• Iron is a non-metal

What is the oxidation number of iron in FeC2O4?

• 0

• 3+

• 1+

• 2+

How is the oxidation number of carbon in the oxalate ion determined?

• By assuming it is always 4+

• By measuring it experimentally

• By using the charge of the ion and algebra

• By looking at the periodic table

What is the oxidation number of each carbon atom in the oxalate ion?

• 4+

• 3+

• 2+

• 5+

What is the typical oxidation number of oxygen in compounds?

• 1-

• 3-

• 0

• 2-

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

• Equal to the number of atoms

• Depends on the compound

• Equal to the charge of the compound

• Zero

What is the oxidation number of iron in FeC2O4 based on the oxalate ion's charge?

• 4+

• 3+

• 2+

• 1+

What is the overall oxidation number of FeC2O4?

• 3+

• 1+

• 2+

• 0