Question

Determine the oxidation state for each of the elements below. The oxidation state of chlorine brine in in hypochlorous acid hypoc HCIO The oxidation state of chlorine in magnesium chloride MgCl2 The oxidation state of nitrogen In nitrous acid HNO2

Answer 1

i) Oxidation State of chlorine in HClO is +1.

Because, H has oxidation state +1 , Cl has X (to be determined) and O has oxidation state -2.

  $1+X-2 = 0 \therefore X=+1$

ii) Oxidation State of each chlorine in MgCl2 is -1.

Because, Mg has oxidation state +2 , two Cl has 2X (to be determined)

$2+2X = 0 \therefore X = -1.$

iii) Oxidation State of nitrogen in HNO2 is +3.

Because, H has Oxidation state +1, N has X (to be determined) and 2 oxygen has oxidation sate -4.

$1+X-4 = 0 \therefore X = +3.$