O in KO₂
O is −1/2 in potassium superoxide, an average.
Oxidation number
Type a formula or an ion: K2Cr2O7, Cr2O7 2-, MnO4-, NH4+ or K4[Fe(CN)6]. Put a known ion in brackets when two elements are unknown. Pick an element to solve for it.
O−1/2average
A fraction means the O atoms are not all alike; the rules give their average.
- K is an alkali metal: +1 in its compounds.
- Oxygen is −1/2 in superoxides; the sum below shows this is one.
- The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: (+1) + 2x = 0.
- 2x = −1, so x = −1/2.
How to find it
- K is an alkali metal: +1 in its compounds.
- Oxygen is −1/2 in superoxides; the sum below shows this is one.
- The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: (+1) + 2x = 0.
- 2x = −1, so x = −1/2.
A fraction means the O atoms are not all alike; the rules give their average.
All the oxidation numbers in KO₂
- K +11 atom, alkali metal
- O −1/22 atoms, superoxide
O in KO₂: quick answers
What is the oxidation number of O in KO₂?
O in KO₂ (potassium superoxide) is −1/2, an average over its atoms. A fraction means the O atoms are not all alike; the rules give their average.
How do you find the oxidation number of O in KO₂?
K is an alkali metal: +1 in its compounds. Oxygen is −1/2 in superoxides; the sum below shows this is one. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: (+1) + 2x = 0. 2x = −1, so x = −1/2.
What are the oxidation numbers of the other atoms in KO₂?
K +1. Together with O at −1/2 they add up to the charge of the compound, 0.