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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
Step 4:: Set up the oxidation number equation
2x + (-2) = 0
Step 5:: Solve the equation
2x = +2
x = + 1
Step 6:: Verify the calculation
- Hydrogen atoms: 2 × (+ 1) = + 2 - Oxygen atom: - 2 - Total: + 2 + (- 2) = 0 ✓
Final Answer
The oxidation number for hydrogen in H₂O is + 1, and for oxygen is - 2.
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