Question

23. Using the periodic table, what is the oxidation number of:

Answer 1

Answer:

a. +2

b. +3

c. -1

Explanation:

The typical oxidation states can be determined from the periodic table based on the number of valence electrons an atom has.

a. Calcium belongs to group 2A, meaning it has 2 valence electrons and, therefore, would have an oxidation state of +2 in compounds.

b. Aluminum is in group 3A, meaning it has 3 valence electrons and would have an oxidation state of +3 in compounds when the 3 electrons are lost.

c. Fluorine would become fluorine if it gained 1 additional electron to achieve an octet, so its oxidation state would be -1.