QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What is the oxidation number of chlorine in chlorine gas?
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Understand the Concept of Oxidation Number
The oxidation number represents the charge an atom would have if all bonds were completely ionic. For elemental (uncombined) atoms, the oxidation number is always zero.
Step 3:: Identify the Molecule
In chlorine gas, we have $$Cl_{2}$$, which is a diatomic molecule composed of two chlorine atoms.
Step 4:: Determine the Oxidation Number
- Each chlorine atom has an oxidation number of $$0
Since this is an elemental form of chlorine, where the chlorine atoms are in their standard state:
Step 5:: Verify the Calculation
- In $$Cl_{2}$$, each chlorine atom is identical
- No charge transfer occurs between the atoms - The oxidation number remains zero for both atoms
Final Answer
Key Insight: In elemental form, atoms always have an oxidation number of zero, regardless of the molecule's structure.
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