Question

Use the rules (in order) to assign oxidation numbers to each of the elements in the compounds below. A. hydroxylamine (NH₅OH) H N O B. calcium nitride (Ca₃N₂) N Ca C. oxalic acid (H₂C₂0₄) H С O

Answer 1

To assign oxidation numbers to each element in a compound, you can use the rules that determine the oxidation number. The oxidation numbers for hydroxylamine (NH₅OH), calcium nitride (Ca₃N₂), and oxalic acid (H₂C₂0₄) are explained using these rules.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assign oxidation numbers to each element in a compound, we follow the rules:

1. The oxidation number of an element in the free state is zero.
2. A monoatomic ion will have an oxidation number that is equal to its charge.
3. In compounds with metals, hydrogen will be -1, otherwise it will always be +1.
4. Oxygen, within a compound, will generally have an oxidation number of -2.
5. Halogens will be -1, except in compounds with oxygen.
6. Sulfur will generally be -2, except in compounds with oxygen.
7. In a molecular compound, the most electronegative element is assigned a negative oxidation number.

Using these rules, the oxidation numbers for the compounds are:

A. hydroxylamine (NH₅OH)

H: +1

N: -3

O: -2

B. calcium nitride (Ca₃N₂)

N: -3

Ca: +2

C. oxalic acid (H₂C₂0₄)

H: +1

C: +3

O: -2