Oxidation Numbers and Ionic Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to find the oxidation numbers for each element in potassium chloride (KCl). It uses the periodic table to determine that potassium (K) has a +1 oxidation number as it belongs to group 1, and chlorine (Cl) has a -1 oxidation number as it belongs to group 17. The tutorial verifies these numbers by showing that they add up to zero in a neutral compound, confirming the correctness of the oxidation numbers.

What is the oxidation number of potassium in KCl?

• 0

• -1

• +1

• +2

Which group in the periodic table does chlorine belong to, and what is its typical oxidation number in KCl?

• Group 16, -2

• Group 1, +1

• Group 17, -1

• Group 2, +2

Why does the sum of oxidation numbers in KCl equal zero?

• Because KCl is a charged compound

• Because KCl has more chlorine atoms

• Because KCl is a neutral compound

• Because KCl has more potassium atoms

What is the significance of the oxidation numbers adding up to zero in a compound like KCl?

• It proves the compound is basic

• It shows the compound is acidic

• It confirms the compound is neutral

• It indicates the compound is ionic

In a neutral compound, what should the sum of all oxidation numbers be?

• +2

• 0

• -1

• +1