What is the Oxidation number of O8O4?
A strange beast.
The first O is +1 each and the second O is -2 each
To determine the oxidation number of an atom in a molecule or compound, we need to consider a few rules and guidelines.
1. The sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is always zero. In this case, we can assume that the O8O4 molecule is neutral.
2. Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation number of -2, unless it is in a peroxide (H2O2) where it has an oxidation number of -1.
Using these rules, we can calculate the oxidation number of O8O4. Let's assume the oxidation number of oxygen in this compound is x.
The total oxidation number of oxygen will be x(8) + x(4) = 0, since the sum of the oxidation numbers is zero.
Simplifying the equation, we get:
8x + 4x = 0
12x = 0
x = 0
Therefore, the oxidation number of each oxygen atom in O8O4 is 0.