Barium Sulfide and Oxidation Numbers

The video tutorial explains how to find oxidation numbers for elements in barium sulfide. It starts by identifying barium sulfide as a neutral compound, meaning its oxidation numbers must sum to zero. Barium, being in group two of the periodic table, has a +2 oxidation number. To balance this, sulfur must have a -2 oxidation number, ensuring the compound remains neutral. The tutorial concludes by summarizing these findings.

What is the overall charge of a neutral compound like barium sulfide?

• Zero

• Negative

• Positive

• Depends on the elements

Which group in the periodic table does barium belong to?

• Group 4

• Group 3

• Group 1

• Group 2

What is the oxidation number of barium in barium sulfide?

• +1

• +2

• -1

• -2

If barium has an oxidation number of +2, what must be the oxidation number of sulfur in barium sulfide to maintain neutrality?

• -1

• +1

• -2

• +2

What is the net charge of barium sulfide when the oxidation numbers of barium and sulfur are added?

• +1

• 0

• +2

• -2