Question

The oxidation states of O atom in Na₂O₂ and KO₂ are ____________, respectively.

Options

• −2, −2

• −1, −0.5

• −0.5, −1

• −2, −1

Answer 1

The oxidation states of O atom in Na₂O₂ and KO₂ are −1, −0.5, respectively.

Explanation:

Na and K form a monovalent cation. The oxidation state of Na and K in their compounds is +1.

Na₂O₂: 2(1+) + 2(x) = 0, x = −1

KO₂: 1(1 +) + 2(x) = 0, x = −0.5

Therefore, the oxidation number of O in Na₂O₂ is −1 and the oxidation state of O in KO₂ is −0.5.