Oxidation Numbers and V2O5

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for each element in V2O5, also known as divanadium pentoxide, which is an important catalyst in sulfuric acid production. The video outlines that V2O5 is a neutral compound, meaning the sum of its oxidation numbers is zero. While the oxidation number for vanadium is not directly known, oxygen is typically -2. By setting up an equation, the oxidation number for vanadium is calculated to be +5. The video concludes by verifying that the sum of oxidation numbers equals zero, confirming the calculations.

What is the common name for the compound V2O5?

• Vanadium dioxide

• Vanadium tetroxide

• Divanadium pentoxide

• Vanadium trioxide

Why is V2O5 considered a neutral compound?

• It is composed of only nonmetals.

• It has no net charge.

• It is a catalyst.

• It has an equal number of protons and electrons.

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

• -1

• 0

• +1

• -2

How many oxygen atoms are present in V2O5?

• 4

• 2

• 5

• 3

What equation is set up to find the oxidation number of vanadium in V2O5?

• x + 2(-5) = 0

• x + 5(-2) = 0

• 2x + 5(-2) = 0

• 2x - 5 = 0

What is the oxidation number of vanadium in V2O5?

• +3

• +4

• +5

• +6

What is the sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound like V2O5?

• -2

• 0

• +2

• +5