Oxidation Numbers and Magnesium Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for each element in magnesium hydride (MgH2). It begins by stating that MgH2 is a neutral compound, meaning the oxidation numbers must sum to zero. Magnesium, being in group two of the periodic table, has an oxidation number of +2. Hydrogen typically has a +1 oxidation number, but when bonded to metals like magnesium, it has a -1 oxidation number. The video demonstrates how these values add up to zero, confirming the oxidation numbers for MgH2.

What is the overall charge of magnesium hydride (MgH2)?

• Neutral

• Variable

• Negative

• Positive

Which group does magnesium belong to on the periodic table?

• Group 4

• Group 3

• Group 2

• Group 1

What is the oxidation number of magnesium in MgH2?

• +1

• +2

• -1

• 0

When hydrogen is bonded to metals, what is its oxidation number?

• +1

• +2

• -1

• 0

How do the oxidation numbers in MgH2 add up?

• +2 + (-2) = 0

• +1 + (-1) = 0

• +2 + (+2) = 0

• -2 + (-2) = 0

What is the oxidation number of hydrogen when bonded to nonmetals?

• 0

• -1

• +2

• +1