Question

Please explain how to calculate it.

What is the oxidation number of chlorine in Ba(ClO)₂?

A. 2+

B. 2-

C. 1-

D. 1+

Answer 1

Answer: D

Using the rules, determine the oxidation number for each element in the compound:
Ba oxidation # = ( 2) (there is one barium atom in this formula)
Cl oxidation # = unknown (no rule applies, let x = the oxidation number of Cl)
O oxidation # = (-2) (there are 4 oxygen atoms, so total oxidation number is -8)

Multiply the oxidation number by the number of atoms of each element in the compound: 2 (Ba) plus 2x (Cl) plus 4(-2) (O) = 0

Solve for X to find the oxidation number of chlorine:

(2) + (2x) + (-4) = zero

(-2) + (2x) = 0

2x = 2

x = +1

Common oxidation numbers of chlorine are 7, 5, 3, 1, and -1