Calculate the oxidation number of the chlorine in perchloric acid,HClO₄,a strong oxidizing agent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Perchloric acid (HClO4) has a neutral overall charge, therefore the sum of the oxidation numbers of its atoms must be equal to zero. We know that hydrogen has a +1 oxidation number and oxygen has a -2 oxidation number. So we can set up the equation: 
(+1) + (x) + (-8) = 0 where x is the oxidation number of chlorine. 
Solving for x, we get:
x = +7 
Therefore, the oxidation number of chlorine in perchloric acid is +7, making it a strong oxidizing agent.

Calculate the Oxidation Number of the Chlorine in Perchloric Acid,HClO4,a

Calculate the Oxidation Number of the Chlorine in Perchloric Acid,HClO₄,a