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Write the oxidation number for (i) oxygen in OF₂ (ii) xenon in XeF₄. - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question (d) - 2017
Question (d)
Write the oxidation number for (i) oxygen in OF₂ (ii) xenon in XeF₄.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write the oxidation number for (i) oxygen in OF₂ (ii) xenon in XeF₄. - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question (d) - 2017
Step 1
(i) oxygen in OF₂
Answer
To determine the oxidation number of oxygen in OF₂, we start by recalling that fluorine, being more electronegative, typically has an oxidation number of -1. In OF₂, there are two fluorine atoms contributing a total of -2 for the oxidation state. Therefore, to balance this charge in a neutral molecule, the oxidation number of oxygen must be +2.
Thus, the oxidation number of oxygen in OF₂ is +2.
Step 2
(ii) xenon in XeF₄
Answer
For xenon in XeF₄, once again, fluorine has an oxidation number of -1 for each of the four fluorine atoms. This contributes a total of -4. To maintain the neutrality of the molecule, the oxidation number of xenon must be +4.
Therefore, the oxidation number of xenon in XeF₄ is +4.