Question

What does the sum of oxidation numbers need to equal for a charged compound?ZeroThe largest oxidation numberThe charge on the compoundThe smallest oxidation number

Answer 1

The sum of oxidation numbers for a charged compound has to be equal to the charge on the compound.

This is because, the sum of oxidation numbers represent the charge of a compound itself.

For neutral compounds this sum is 0, for charged compounds it is the charge of the compound.