Oxidation Numbers and Ion Charges

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for elements in the ferrocyanate ion, Fe(CN)6^4-. It begins by noting the overall charge of the ion and how oxidation numbers must sum to this charge. The video then focuses on calculating the oxidation number of iron, a transition metal, by setting up an equation based on known charges. It also touches on the cyanide ion, highlighting the need for special rules to determine oxidation numbers for carbon and nitrogen. The tutorial concludes with a reference to additional resources for understanding these special cases.

What is the overall charge of the ferrocyanate ion?

• -2

• -3

• -4

• -5

Why is the oxidation number of iron initially unknown?

• Iron is a non-metal.

• Iron is a transition metal.

• Iron is a noble gas.

• Iron is an alkali metal.

What is the charge of the cyanide ion?

• -1

• -2

• 0

• +1

How many cyanide ions are present in the ferrocyanate ion?

• 7

• 5

• 4

• 6

What equation is set up to find the oxidation number of iron?

• x - 6 = 4

• x + 6 = 4

• x - 6 = -4

• x + 6 = -4

What is the oxidation number of iron in the ferrocyanate ion?

• +3

• +2

• +1

• +4

What additional resources are mentioned for finding oxidation numbers of carbon and nitrogen?

• A textbook reference

• A link in the description

• A video tutorial

• A classroom handout