Oxidation States of Hydrogen and Oxygen

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 96 views

Introduction to Oxidation States

Oxidation states are a way to describe the number of electrons an atom has gained or lost in a chemical reaction. This concept is crucial in understanding the behavior of elements and compounds in various chemical reactions. In this article, we will focus on determining the oxidation state of magnesium (Mg) in the compound magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2).

The Reaction: Mg(s) + 2H2O(l) → Mg(OH)2(s) + H2(g)

The given reaction involves the reaction of magnesium (Mg) with water (H2O) to form magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and hydrogen gas (H2). To determine the oxidation state of Mg in Mg(OH)2, we need to understand the oxidation states of the other elements involved in the reaction.

Oxidation States of Hydrogen and Oxygen

In the compound water (H2O), the oxidation state of hydrogen (H) is +1, and the oxidation state of oxygen (O) is -2. This is because hydrogen tends to lose one electron to form a positive ion, while oxygen tends to gain two electrons to form a negative ion.

Determining the Oxidation State of Magnesium

To determine the oxidation state of magnesium (Mg) in Mg(OH)2, we need to consider the oxidation states of the other elements in the compound. Since oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2, and there are two oxygen atoms in the compound, the total oxidation state of oxygen is -4.

Balancing the Oxidation States

To balance the oxidation states, the oxidation state of magnesium (Mg) must be +2. This is because the sum of the oxidation states of all the elements in a compound must be equal to zero. Therefore, the oxidation state of magnesium (Mg) in Mg(OH)2 is +2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the oxidation state of magnesium (Mg) in Mg(OH)2 is +2. This is determined by considering the oxidation states of the other elements in the compound and balancing the oxidation states to equal zero.

Key Takeaways

Oxidation states are a way to describe the number of electrons an atom has gained or lost in a chemical reaction.
The oxidation state of an element can be determined by considering the oxidation states of the other elements in a compound.
The sum of the oxidation states of all the elements in a compound must be equal to zero.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the oxidation state of magnesium (Mg) in Mg(OH)2?
The oxidation state of magnesium (Mg) in Mg(OH)2 is +2.
How is the oxidation state of an element determined?
The oxidation state of an element is determined by considering the oxidation states of the other elements in a compound.

References

[1] "Oxidation States" by Chemistry LibreTexts
[2] "Magnesium Hydroxide" by Wikipedia
[3] "Chemical Reactions" by Khan Academy

Introduction

Oxidation states are a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps us understand the behavior of elements and compounds in various chemical reactions. In our previous article, we discussed the oxidation state of magnesium (Mg) in magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2). In this article, we will address some frequently asked questions related to oxidation states in chemical reactions.

Q&A

Q1: What is the oxidation state of oxygen (O) in water (H2O)?

A1: The oxidation state of oxygen (O) in water (H2O) is -2.

Q2: How is the oxidation state of an element determined?

A2: The oxidation state of an element is determined by considering the oxidation states of the other elements in a compound. The sum of the oxidation states of all the elements in a compound must be equal to zero.

Q3: What is the oxidation state of hydrogen (H) in water (H2O)?

A3: The oxidation state of hydrogen (H) in water (H2O) is +1.

Q4: How do you determine the oxidation state of a metal ion in a compound?

A4: To determine the oxidation state of a metal ion in a compound, you need to consider the oxidation states of the other elements in the compound. The metal ion will have an oxidation state that balances the oxidation states of the other elements in the compound.

Q5: What is the oxidation state of magnesium (Mg) in magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2)?

A5: The oxidation state of magnesium (Mg) in magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) is +2.

Q6: How do you determine the oxidation state of a nonmetal ion in a compound?

A6: To determine the oxidation state of a nonmetal ion in a compound, you need to consider the oxidation states of the other elements in the compound. The nonmetal ion will have an oxidation state that balances the oxidation states of the other elements in the compound.

Q7: What is the difference between oxidation and reduction?

A7: Oxidation is the loss of electrons, while reduction is the gain of electrons. In a chemical reaction, one element may be oxidized while another element is reduced.

Q8: How do you determine the oxidation state of an element in a compound with multiple elements?

A8: To determine the oxidation state of an element in a compound with multiple elements, you need to consider the oxidation states of all the elements in the compound. The sum of the oxidation states of all the elements in the compound must be equal to zero.

Q9: What is the oxidation state of chlorine (Cl) in sodium chloride (NaCl)?

A9: The oxidation state of chlorine (Cl) in sodium chloride (NaCl) is -1.

Q10: How do you determine the oxidation state of a metal ion in a compound with multiple metal ions?

A10: To determine the oxidation state of a metal ion in a compound with multiple metal ions, you need to consider the oxidation states of all the metal ions in the compound. The sum of the oxidation states of all the metal ions in the compound must be equal to zero.

Conclusion

In conclusion, oxidation states are a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps us understand the behavior of elements and compounds in various chemical reactions. By considering the oxidation states of the other elements in a compound, we can determine the oxidation state of an element. We hope this article has helped you understand the concept of oxidation states in chemical reactions.

Key Takeaways

Oxidation states are a way to describe the number of electrons an atom has gained or lost in a chemical reaction.
The oxidation state of an element can be determined by considering the oxidation states of the other elements in a compound.
The sum of the oxidation states of all the elements in a compound must be equal to zero.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the oxidation state of oxygen (O) in water (H2O)?
The oxidation state of oxygen (O) in water (H2O) is -2.
How is the oxidation state of an element determined?
The oxidation state of an element is determined by considering the oxidation states of the other elements in a compound.

References

[1] "Oxidation States" by Chemistry LibreTexts
[2] "Magnesium Hydroxide" by Wikipedia
[3] "Chemical Reactions" by Khan Academy