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Chapter 17: Problem 41

Determine the oxidation number of each atom in \(\mathrm{BaCl}_{2} .\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The oxidation number of Barium (Ba) in \(\mathrm{BaCl}_{2}\) is +2 and the oxidation number of Chlorine (Cl) in \(\mathrm{BaCl}_{2}\) is -1.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Concept of Oxidation Number

An oxidation number is a positive or negative number that is assigned to an atom to indicate its degree of oxidation or reduction. The term has been in use since the late 18th century, and its value can be used for balancing chemical reactions.
02

Learn the Rules for Assigning Oxidation Numbers

There are some general rules to assign oxidation numbers. Most importantly for this exercise is: -The oxidation state of an individual atom is 0.-The oxidation state for any compound will always be equal to 0.-The oxidation state of an ion equals the charge of the ion.
03

Assign the Oxidation Number to Barium

The compound \(\mathrm{BaCl}_{2}\) consists of one Barium ion (Ba) and two Chlorine ions (Cl). Barium is in group II of the periodic table and has a charge of +2. So, the oxidation number of Barium (Ba) in \(\mathrm{BaCl}_{2}\) is +2.
04

Assign the Oxidation Number to Chlorine

Chlorine is in group VII of the periodic table and each chlorine atom accepts one electron resulting in a -1 charge. As there are 2 chlorine ions, the combined oxidation number for the two Chlorine is -2.

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