Oxidation Numbers and Transition Metals

The video tutorial explains how to determine the oxidation numbers for each element in the compound Fe(NO3)3, known as iron(III) nitrate. It begins by discussing the neutrality of the compound and the need for oxidation numbers to sum to zero. The tutorial then focuses on the nitrate ion, NO3, and its known oxidation number. Using this information, the video sets up an equation to solve for the unknown oxidation number of nitrogen, ultimately finding it to be +5. The tutorial concludes by summarizing the process and confirming the oxidation numbers for each element in the compound.

What is the overall charge of the compound Fe(NO3)3?

• Depends on the conditions

• Negative

• Positive

• Neutral

What is the oxidation number of the nitrate ion (NO3)?

• -2

• -1

• 0

• +1

How many nitrate ions are present in Fe(NO3)3?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

What is the oxidation number of iron in Fe(NO3)3?

• +2

• +3

• +4

• +5

What is the typical oxidation number of oxygen in compounds?

• 0

• -2

• -1

• +1

In the equation set up to find nitrogen's oxidation number, what is the unknown variable represented by?

• x

• z

• n

• y

What is the oxidation number of nitrogen in Fe(NO3)3?

• +6

• +5

• +4

• +3

What is the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound?

• +1

• 0

• -1

• +2

Which element in Fe(NO3)3 is a transition metal?

• None

• Iron

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

What is the purpose of setting up an equation in determining oxidation numbers?

• To calculate the molecular weight

• To determine the oxidation number of an unknown element

• To find the charge of the compound

• To balance the chemical equation