What is the oxidation state of oxygen is KO2?
Correct answer: A. -1/2
- A. -1/2
- B. -2
- C. -1
- D. -3
Explanation
Option A is correct. The oxidation state of oxygen in KO2 is -1/2. This can be determined by considering that potassium (K) has a +1 charge. In the superoxide ion, two oxygen atoms collectively carry a -1 charge. Let x be the oxidation state of one oxygen atom: +1 + 2x = 0, solving for x gives x = -1/2. Other options are incorrect because they do not account for the superoxide formation, where the combined oxidation state of the two oxygen atoms results in a -1 charge, not the typical -2 charge seen in oxide ions or -1 seen in peroxides.
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Electrochemistry describes electron transfer through oxidation and reduction, identifies oxidizing and reducing agents, and applies oxidation numbers to balance redox equations. It also covers electrode potential and the standard hydrogen electrode, which provides the reference for comparing the reduction tendencies of other electrodes.
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