Chapter 22: Problem 97
Indicate the oxidation state for the element noted in each of the following: a. \(\mathrm{H}\) in \(\mathrm{CaH}_{2}\) b. \(\mathrm{H}\) in \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) c. \(\operatorname{Cin} \mathrm{CH}_{4}\) d. \(\mathrm{S}\) in \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
a. H is -1; b. H is +1; c. C is -4; d. S is +6.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Oxidation States in Compounds
To determine oxidation states, recall the standard rules: Hydrogen is usually +1, but is -1 when bound to less electronegative elements (like metals). Oxygen is usually -2. The sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound must equal zero.
02
Determine Oxidation State of H in CaH2
In calcium hydride (\( \mathrm{CaH}_{2} \)), calcium (\( \mathrm{Ca} \)) is a metal that typically has an oxidation state of +2. Since there are two hydrogen atoms, and the compound is neutral, hydrogen must have an oxidation state of -1 each: \( 2(-1) + 2 = 0 \).
03
Determine Oxidation State of H in H2O
In water \( (\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}) \), oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2. There are two hydrogen atoms, which must balance this by having a +1 oxidation state each: \( 2(+1) - 2 = 0 \).
04
Determine Oxidation State of C in CH4
Consider methane \( (\mathrm{CH}_{4}) \): Hydrogen has a +1 oxidation state, so the four hydrogens contribute +4. Carbon's oxidation state must counterbalance these as the compound is neutral, resulting in \( \mathrm{C} = -4 \): \( -4 + 4(+1) = 0 \).
05
Determine Oxidation State of S in H2SO4
In sulfuric acid \( (\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}) \), hydrogen is +1 for each and there are two hydrogen atoms, contributing +2. Oxygen is -2 and there are four oxygen atoms contributing -8. Sulfur (\( \mathrm{S} \)) must balance them by having an oxidation state of +6: \( 2(+1)+\mathrm{S}+4(-2) = 0 \), hence \( \mathrm{S} = +6 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Calcium Hydride and Oxidation State of Hydrogen
Calcium hydride, represented chemically as \( \mathrm{CaH}_{2} \), is a compound where calcium, a metal, is paired with hydrogen. In this compound, it is crucial to determine the oxidation states. For calcium hydride, we must consider the rules of oxidation states:
- Elements in a compound strive to attain a stable electronic structure, often determined by their group in the periodic table.
- Metals like calcium typically possess a positive oxidation state, commonly +2 due to their tendency to lose electrons.
- Hydrogen, however, can have a more unique role, especially when bound to metals, as it takes an oxidation state of -1.
Oxidation State of Hydrogen in Water
Water, known chemically as \( \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \), is a simple yet vital molecule in chemistry. It consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. To grasp the concept of oxidation states:
- Oxygen, in most compounds, holds an oxidation state of -2 since it is highly electronegative and tends to gain electrons.
- Hydrogen, when combined with non-metals like oxygen, usually maintains a +1 oxidation state.
Understanding Methane and Carbon's Oxidation State
Methane, \( \mathrm{CH}_{4} \), is a simple hydrocarbon and a primary component of natural gas. Here, we look into the oxidation state of carbon:
- Hydrogen, when it pairs with more electronegative elements like carbon, holds a +1 oxidation state.
- In methane, there are four hydrogen atoms, so their combined contribution is \( 4(+1) \).
- To balance this, carbon must have an oxidation state that offsets +4, making it \( -4 \).
Sulfuric Acid and Sulfur's Oxidation State
Sulfuric acid, or \( \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4} \), is a significant and widely used chemical in many industrial applications. Determining the oxidation state of sulfur involves:
- Each hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1, with two hydrogen atoms contributing +2.
- Oxygen, common as a strong oxidizing element, has an oxidation state of -2, with four atoms contributing a total of -8.
- To balance these, sulfur must have an oxidation state that counteracts these charges.