Final answer:
In the permanganate ion MnO₄⁻, the oxidation number of manganese (Mn) is +7, and the oxidation number for each oxygen (O) atom is -2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oxidation number of each type of atom in MnO₄⁻ can be determined by using the rules for assigning oxidation states. Given that oxygen has an oxidation state of -2 and there are four oxygen atoms, they contribute a total oxidation state of -8. Since the compound has an overall charge of -1, this implies that the sum of the oxidation numbers is not zero. Thus, the manganese atom must balance the -8 from oxygen with a +7 oxidation state. Therefore, for the permanganate ion MnO₄⁻, we have Mn in the +7 oxidation state (Mn⁷⁺), and each oxygen is in the -2 oxidation state (O²⁻).