Oxidation Numbers in Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to find the oxidation numbers for each element in lithium nitrate (LiNO3). It starts by identifying LiNO3 as a neutral compound, meaning the oxidation numbers must sum to zero. Lithium, a group one element, has an oxidation number of +1. Oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2. The oxidation number for nitrogen is determined by setting up an equation: 1 + x + 3(-2) = 0, solving for x to find that nitrogen has an oxidation number of +5. The video concludes by verifying the calculations and confirming the oxidation numbers.

What is the overall charge of the compound LiNO3?

• Positive

• Negative

• Neutral

• Variable

What is the oxidation number of lithium in LiNO3?

• -1

• +1

• +2

• 0

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

• -1

• +2

• 0

• -2

In the equation set up to find nitrogen's oxidation number, what is the value of 'x'?

• +5

• +4

• +6

• +3

How many oxygen atoms are present in LiNO3?

• 1

• 2

• 4

• 3

What is the oxidation number of nitrogen in LiNO3 after solving the equation?

• +5

• +3

• +4

• +6

What is the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound like LiNO3?

• +1

• 0

• -1

• +2