Question

Consider this reaction:

Mg(s) + 2H20(1) ► Mg(OH)2(s) + H2(9)

What is the oxidation state of Mg in Mg(s)?

Answer 1

Oxidation state for Mg(s) is 0

Step-by-step explanation:

This is redox reaction, where one element is oxidized and another is reduced.

H from water is being reduced while the Mg which is in ground state is oxidized.

When the element is reduced, the oxidation state is decreased:

2H⁺ + 2e⁻ ⇄ H₂

When the element is oxidized, the oxidation state is increased

Mg ⇄ Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻

As Mg(s) in the product side, is at ground state, the oxidation state is 0.

Any element in ground state has 0, as oxidation state.