Question

Assign an oxidation number to the metal in the following compounds.

Part A

AlF3

Express your answer as a signed integer.

Part B

FeSO4

Express your answer as a signed integer.

Part C

UO3

Express your answer as a signed integer.

Part D

UF6

Express your answer as a signed integer.

Part E

V2O5

Express your answer as a signed integer.

Part F

SnS

Express your answer as a signed integer.

Answer 1

AlF3

Aluminium belongs to Group VIIA and fluorine belongs to the group 17. These halogens have an oxidation state of 1- in their compounds. Since there are 3 Fluorines to balance it and make a neutral compound Aluminium must have 3+oxidation state

FeSO₄

Oxygen belongs to group 16, in its oxide form it has a 2- oxidation state. SO₄ has a total charge of 2- like in H₂SO₄. SO Sulphur has an oxidation state of 6+. To balance this 2- charge the metal Fe has to be 2+ oxidation state.

UO3

Oxygen belongs to group 16, in its oxide form it has a 2- oxidation state. so 3 oxides will be a total of 3 x 2- which is 6-. To balance this U has to be in 6+ oxidation state.

UF6

Fluorine belongs to the group 17. These halogens have an oxidation state of 1- in their compounds. so 6 fluorine will be 6 x 1- which is 6-. To balance this U has to be in 6+ oxidation state.