How can i be accurate when assigning oxidation numbers?
By this i refer to elements that have more than 1 oxidation # .
For example:
I have been working with hydrides and i had this reaction in mind:
Nb + H
Shoud i use 3 or 5 for Nb, why?
I looked up niobium hydride on Google and came up with NbH5; however, I think you have asked the wrong question. It appears to me that you aren't interested so much the oxidation state as in what product is formed.
The electronic structure is
[Kr]4d^4 5s^1. It would appear to me that 5 is the first choice.
And your H you know can't be just H. H2 perhaps? Or H^-; or MH?
Now I am a little bit puzzled.If the electronic structure of Fe is Ar 3d^6 4s^2 ,then what i can infer is that i would use 4,but the accurate number would be 3,plz make yourself clear.
To accurately assign oxidation numbers, you need to follow a set of guidelines and rules. Here's how you can determine the oxidation numbers for elements with more than one possible oxidation state, like in the case of Nb in the reaction Nb + H:
1. Assign oxidation numbers to elements in compounds, based on the general rules given below:
- The oxidation number of an element in its elemental form is zero (e.g., H2, O2, Nb, etc.).
- In simple monatomic ion, like Na+, the oxidation number is the same as its charge (+1 in this case).
- Oxygen has an oxidation number of -2 (except when combined with fluorine, where it takes on a positive oxidation number).
- Hydrogen has an oxidation number of +1 when combined with non-metals and -1 when combined with metals.
2. Determine the oxidation numbers of the other elements in the compound or reaction, if known or given.
3. Assign an algebraic variable (x) to the unknown oxidation number of the element in question. In this case, let's assume the unknown oxidation number for Nb is x.
4. Use the known oxidation numbers and the overall charge of the compound or reaction to solve for x.
In your particular case, the reaction is Nb + H, and you need to determine the oxidation number for Nb. Since hydrogen is combined with a metal, its oxidation number will be -1.
So, let's set up an equation using the known oxidation numbers:
x + (-1) = 0 (zero because elemental Nb has an oxidation number of zero)
Simplifying this equation, we have:
x - 1 = 0
x = 1
Therefore, in the reaction Nb + H, the oxidation number for Nb should be +1.
It's important to note that oxidation numbers are assigned based on rules and assumptions, and in some cases, they can be influenced by the specific compound or nature of the reaction. Thus, it's always important to consider context and consult reliable sources when determining oxidation numbers.