What is the oxidation state of:i. Na in Na2O2?ii. K in KO2?

1.	What is the oxidation state of:i. Na in Na2O2?ii. K in KO2?
Answer» i. Oxidation state of Na in sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂): Let x be the oxidation state of Na in Na₂O₂. The net charge on peroxide ion (O\(^{2-}_{2}\)) is -2. Since any compound is electrically neutral, it has an overall charge as zero. ∴ 2x + (-2) = 0 ∴ x = + 1 ∴ Oxidation state of Na in Na₂O₂ is + 1 ii. Oxidation state of K in potassium dioxide/potassium superoxide (KO₂): Let x be the oxidation state of K in KO₂ The net charge on superoxide ion (O^-₂) is -1 Since any compound is electrically neutral, it has an overall charge as zero. ∴ x + (-1) = 0 x = + 1 ∴ Oxidation state of K in KO₂is + 1. [Note: Oxidation state of alkali metal is always +1.]

Answer»

i. Oxidation state of Na in sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂):

Let x be the oxidation state of Na in Na₂O₂.

The net charge on peroxide ion (O\(^{2-}_{2}\)) is -2.

Since any compound is electrically neutral, it has an overall charge as zero.

∴ 2x + (-2) = 0

∴ x = + 1

∴ Oxidation state of Na in Na₂O₂ is + 1

ii. Oxidation state of K in potassium dioxide/potassium superoxide (KO₂):
Let x be the oxidation state of K in KO₂

The net charge on superoxide ion (O^-₂) is -1

Since any compound is electrically neutral, it has an overall charge as zero.

∴ x + (-1) = 0

x = + 1

∴ Oxidation state of K in KO₂is + 1.

[Note: Oxidation state of alkali metal is always +1.]

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