What is the oxidation state of Cr in each of the following compounds?
(a) CrO
(b) CrO3
(c) Cr2 O3
Could you give an example with a written equation?
I am really having a hard time. I am taking an online class and math is not my strong. Do I divide or multiply?
a. +2
b. +6
c. +3
We know that O is always -2 (well in most case scenerios) but when it is O2 we must take that into consideration making it -6 and then you need to make the sum 0 so that would make CR +6. And this same mindset can be used to solve #3.
To determine the oxidation state of an element in a compound, you need to follow a set of rules and calculate the charges based on the known charges of other elements in the compound.
(a) CrO:
To find the oxidation state of Cr in CrO, we can assume that oxygen has an oxidation state of -2 (most common). Since the compound is neutral, the sum of the oxidation states must be zero. We denote the oxidation state of Cr as x.
Therefore, the equation will be: x + (-2) = 0
Solving this equation gives us x = +2.
So, the oxidation state of Cr in CrO is +2.
(b) CrO3:
In CrO3, there are three oxygen atoms. Each oxygen atom has a charge of -2. Therefore, the total charge from the oxygen atoms is (-2) x 3 = -6.
Since the compound is neutral, the sum of the oxidation states must be zero. We denote the oxidation state of Cr as x.
Therefore, the equation will be: x + (-6) = 0
Solving this equation gives us x = +6.
So, the oxidation state of Cr in CrO3 is +6.
(c) Cr2O3:
In Cr2O3, there are three oxygen atoms. Each oxygen atom has a charge of -2. Therefore, the total charge from the oxygen atoms is (-2) x 3 = -6.
Since the compound is neutral, the sum of the oxidation states must be zero. We denote the oxidation state of one Cr as x.
Therefore, the equation will be: 2x + (-6) = 0
Solving this equation gives us 2x = +6, then x = +3.
So, the oxidation state of Cr in Cr2O3 is +3.
Oxygen is always -2
So for the first one Cr will be +2
Now can, you figure out the other two?