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What is the oxidation number of manganese in KMnO₄?(1) +7(2) +2(3) +3(4) +4

User Syed Shibli
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1 Answer

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Step-by-step explanation

A molecule will always have a neutral charge, so the oxidation states of the elements must be such that the sum of the oxidation states is zero.

Now, the oxidation state of oxygen is -2, because there are 4 oxygen atoms so far we have an oxidation state of -8.

The oxidation state of potassium is always +1, and we have a potassium atom in the molecule, so we have a total oxidation state of:

-8+1=-7.

For the molecule to be neutral, the oxidation state that we need is +7, and since there is only one atom of magnesium we will have to:


K^(+1)Mn^(+7)O_4^(-2)

The oxidation number of manganese in KMnO4 is+7

Answer: (1) +7

User Orizon
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