Oxidation Numbers and Ionic Charges

The video tutorial explains how to determine oxidation numbers for elements in lithium sulfate. It starts by noting that lithium sulfate is a neutral compound, meaning its oxidation numbers sum to zero. The sulfate ion, SO4, has a charge of two minus, and its oxidation numbers add up to this charge. To balance the compound, lithium's oxidation number is determined to be plus one, resulting in a net charge of zero. The video concludes with a reference to additional resources for finding sulfur's oxidation number.

What is the overall charge of lithium sulfate as a compound?

• Variable

• Negative

• Positive

• Neutral

What is the ionic charge of the sulfate ion?

• 2-

• 1-

• 3-

• 4-

How do oxidation numbers in an ion relate to the ion's charge?

• They add up to the ion's charge

• They are always zero

• They are always positive

• They are equal to the number of atoms

What is the oxidation number of lithium in Li2SO4?

• +1

• +2

• 0

• -1

Why do we need to balance the 2- charge in the sulfate ion?

• To increase the compound's stability

• To achieve a net charge of zero

• To make the compound acidic

• To make the compound basic

What is the net charge of lithium sulfate after balancing?

• +2

• -1

• +1

• 0