Skip to main content
Ch.4 - Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Chapter 4, Problem 95c

What is the oxidation state of Cr in each compound? c. Cr2O3

Verified Solution

Video duration:
0m:0s
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxidation State

The oxidation state, or oxidation number, is a value that represents the total number of electrons an atom either gains or loses when it forms a chemical bond. It helps in understanding the electron transfer in redox reactions and is crucial for determining the reactivity and stability of compounds.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:42
Oxidation Numbers

Rules for Assigning Oxidation States

There are specific rules for assigning oxidation states, such as the fact that the oxidation state of an element in its elemental form is zero, and for monoatomic ions, it equals the charge of the ion. In compounds, the sum of the oxidation states must equal the overall charge of the compound, which is particularly important for polyatomic compounds.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:13
Oxidation Number Rules

Chromium Compounds

Chromium can exhibit multiple oxidation states, commonly +2, +3, and +6. In the compound Cr2O3, chromium is in the +3 oxidation state, as the oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2, leading to a total of +6 from two chromium atoms to balance the three oxygen atoms.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:11
Naming Coordination Compounds Example