Oxidation Numbers and Cobalt Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for cobalt in cobalt(II) nitrate. It begins by discussing the rules for oxidation numbers in neutral compounds, emphasizing that they sum to zero. As cobalt is a transition metal, its oxidation state is determined by its bonding with the nitrate ion, a polyatomic ion with a charge of one minus. The tutorial details the calculation of oxidation numbers for the nitrate ion, leading to the conclusion that cobalt has an oxidation number of two plus. Additional resources are provided for further understanding.

What is the overall charge of cobalt(II) nitrate?

• Positive

• Negative

• Neutral

• Variable

Why can't we determine the oxidation state of cobalt just by looking at it?

• Because it is a halogen

• Because it is a noble gas

• Because it is a transition metal

• Because it is a non-metal

What is the charge of the nitrate ion?

• Two plus

• One minus

• Three minus

• Zero

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

• They are always positive

• They are equal to the number of atoms

• They add up to the ion's charge

• They are always zero

What is the oxidation number of cobalt in cobalt(II) nitrate?

• One plus

• Two plus

• Three plus

• Zero

What is the total oxidation number of the two nitrate ions in cobalt(II) nitrate?

• Plus two

• Minus one

• Minus two

• Zero

Where can you find additional help for finding the oxidation number of nitrogen in the nitrate ion?

• In the video description

• In the textbook

• In the glossary

• In the appendix