Multiple Choice
How many unpaired electrons are present in the complex ion [FeCl_6]^{4-}?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Calculate Oxidation Numbers
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What is the oxidation number of barium (Ba) in the compound BaCl2?
A
0
B
-2
C
+2
D
+1
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the oxidation number of an element in its elemental form is 0, but in compounds, it depends on the other elements present.
Identify the common oxidation states of the elements involved: chlorine (Cl) typically has an oxidation number of -1 in compounds.
Write the formula for the compound: BaCl\_2, which means there are two chlorine atoms each with an oxidation number of -1.
Set up an equation where the sum of the oxidation numbers in the compound equals zero (since the compound is neutral): let the oxidation number of Ba be x, so x + 2(-1) = 0.
Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation number of barium: x - 2 = 0, therefore x = +2.
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