Question

In the reaction Mg(s)+2H2O(l)→Mg(OH)2(s)+H2(g), what is the oxidation state of Mg in Mg(s)?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

+2 is oxidaton state of Mg

because

when Mg combine with water it give

Mg(OH)2

& inthis compound Mg has +2 oxidation state

see how we can calculate oxidation state

In periodic table

oxidation state of O2 is -2

here there are 2oxygen atom

so

2×-2= -4

and oxidation state of hydrogen atom is

+1

here there are 2 hydrogen atoms

so 2×(+1) = 2

an compound has overall charge as 0

in neutral state

let oxidation state of Mg be x

so

0 = x + 2-4

so

x= 2

therefore Mg has oxidation state of +2

note that it is necessary to show signs otherwise it wiill be a valency