Question

Determine the oxidation number of chlorine in CI2 with the steps

Answer 1

Answer:  The oxidation number of chlorine in $Cl_2$ is zero

Explanation:

Oxidation number or oxidation state : It represent the number of electrons lost or gained by the atoms of an element in a compound.

Rules for Oxidation Numbers are :

1.  The oxidation number of a free element is always zero.

2. The oxidation number of a monatomic ion equals the charge of the ion.

3. The oxidation number of  oxygen (O)  in compounds is usually -2.

4. The oxidation number of a Group 17 element in a binary compound is -1.

5. The oxidation number of  Hydrogen (H)  is +1, but it is -1 in when combined with less electronegative elements.

6. The sum of the oxidation numbers of all of the atoms in a neutral compound is zero.

7. The sum of the oxidation numbers in a polyatomic ion is equal to the charge of the ion.

As $Cl_2$ exists as a free molecule, its oxidation state is zero.