Q
QuestionChemistry

What is the oxidation number for H^2O?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step-by-step using the rules for determining oxidation numbers:

Step 2:
: Recall the rules for calculating oxidation numbers

- The sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral molecule must equal zero - Hydrogen typically has an oxidation number of + 1 - Oxygen typically has an oxidation number of - 2

Step 3:
: Let x be the oxidation number of hydrogen in H₂O

- There are two hydrogen atoms, so their total contribution will be 2x - There is one oxygen atom with an oxidation number of - 2

Final Answer

The oxidation number for hydrogen in H₂O is + 1, and for oxygen is - 2.