Question

What is the oxidation number of an atom from Group 1A or Group 2A in compounds?

A) It varies depending on the specific compound.
B) +1 for Group 1A and +2 for Group 2A.
C) -1 for Group 1A and -2 for Group 2A.
D) It remains at 0 for both Group 1A and Group 2A.

Answer 1

The oxidation number for atoms from Group 1A in compounds is +1, and for those from Group 2A is +2, as these elements tend to form cations by losing one or two electrons respectively when they bond.

Step-by-step explanation:

The oxidation number of an atom from Group 1A or Group 2A in compounds is +1 for Group 1A and +2 for Group 2A. This is because these groups contain alkali metals and alkaline earth metals respectively, which typically lose one and two electrons to form cations when they form compounds. For instance, in NaCl, each sodium atom has an oxidation number of +1, and in CaCl2, each calcium atom has an oxidation number of +2.