Copper Chloride and Oxidation Numbers

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for each element in CuCl, known as copper(I) chloride. It begins by noting that CuCl is a neutral compound, meaning the oxidation numbers must sum to zero. Copper, a transition metal, can have various oxidation states, but in this compound, it is +1. Chlorine, a halogen, typically has an oxidation number of -1 unless bonded to oxygen or fluorine. The video concludes by confirming that the oxidation numbers of copper and chlorine in CuCl add up to zero, justifying the name copper(I) chloride.

What is the overall charge of the compound CuCl?

• Variable

• Negative

• Positive

• Neutral

Why is copper not listed with a fixed oxidation number?

• It is a transition metal.

• It is a non-metal.

• It is always neutral.

• It is a noble gas.

What is the typical oxidation number for chlorine in CuCl?

• +1

• -2

• 0

• -1

In which group is chlorine found, and what is its common name?

• Group 2, Alkaline Earth Metals

• Group 17, Halogens

• Group 1, Alkali Metals

• Group 18, Noble Gases

What is the oxidation number of copper in CuCl?

• -1

• 0

• +1

• +2

Why is CuCl referred to as copper(I) chloride?

• Because copper has an oxidation number of +1.

• Because chlorine has an oxidation number of +1.

• Because the compound is ionic.

• Because it is a diatomic molecule.