Oxidation Numbers in SiO2

The video tutorial explains how to find the oxidation numbers for silicon (Si) in silicon dioxide (SiO2). It begins by stating that SiO2 is a neutral compound, meaning the oxidation numbers must sum to zero. The tutorial highlights that oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2, except when bonded to fluorine or in peroxides. Since there are two oxygen atoms in SiO2, their total oxidation number is -4. To balance this, silicon must have an oxidation number of +4. The video concludes with a summary of these calculations.

What is the overall charge of the SiO2 compound?

• Negative

• Neutral

• Variable

• Positive

Which element's oxidation number is determined first in SiO2?

• Hydrogen

• Silicon

• Oxygen

• Fluorine

What is the oxidation number of each oxygen atom in SiO2?

• 0

• -1

• -2

• +2

How do the oxidation numbers in SiO2 add up?

• They add up to 0

• They add up to -2

• They add up to +4

• They add up to +2

What is the oxidation number of silicon in SiO2?

• -4

• +2

• 0

• +4

Why must silicon have a +4 oxidation number in SiO2?

• To balance the +4 from oxygen

• To balance the +2 from oxygen

• To balance the -4 from oxygen

• To balance the -2 from oxygen