Question

25 numeric 2 points what is the oxidation state of iron in fecl₂? answer previous

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the oxidation state of chlorine

In compounds (except for some special cases like in elemental form \(Cl_2\) where oxidation state is \(0\)), the oxidation state of chlorine (\(Cl\)) in binary chlorides is \(- 1\). So, for \(Cl\) in \(FeCl_2\), oxidation state of \(Cl=-1\).

Step2: Set up the equation for the sum of oxidation states

Let the oxidation state of \(Fe\) be \(x\). For a neutral compound \(FeCl_2\), the sum of oxidation states of all atoms is \(0\). Using the formula \(x + 2\times(-1)=0\) (since there are 2 \(Cl\) atoms in \(FeCl_2\)).

Step3: Solve the equation for \(x\)

$$
LATEXBLOCK0
$$

Answer:

\(+2\)