Question

which of the following compounds at 25°c and 1.0 atm contains an element in a +1 oxidation state?
a pbo₂
b cao
c n₂o₅
d cu₂o

Explanation:

Step1: Oxidation state of oxygen

In most compounds, oxygen has an oxidation state of \(-2\). Let the oxidation state of the other element be \(x\).

Step2: Calculate oxidation state for \(PbO_2\)

For \(PbO_2\), using the rule that the sum of oxidation states in a compound is \(0\). So \(x + 2\times(-2)=0\), which gives \(x = + 4\).

Step3: Calculate oxidation state for \(CaO\)

For \(CaO\), \(x+(-2) = 0\), so \(x=+2\).

Step4: Calculate oxidation state for \(N_2O_5\)

For \(N_2O_5\), \(2x+5\times(-2)=0\), \(2x = 10\), \(x = + 5\).

Step5: Calculate oxidation state for \(Cu_2O\)

For \(Cu_2O\), \(2x+(-2)=0\), \(2x=2\), \(x = + 1\).

Answer:

D. \(Cu_2O\)