Question

What is the oxidation number of K , CL, O3 in KCLO3

Answer 1

In potassium chlorate (KClO₃), we can determine the oxidation numbers of the elements as follows:

1. **Potassium (K)**: The oxidation number of potassium in compounds is always +1 since it is an alkali metal.

2. **Chlorine (Cl)**: In KClO₃, chlorine typically has an oxidation number of +5. This is because the overall charge of the compound is neutral (0), and we can derive the oxidation number of Cl by considering the oxidation states of K and O.

3. **Oxygen (O)**: The oxidation number of oxygen is usually -2. In KClO₃, there are three oxygen atoms, contributing a total of -6 (-2 for each).

Now we can sum the oxidation states to ensure they equal zero, the total charge of the compound:

\[
\text{Total oxidation number} = \text{(oxidation number of K)} + \text{(oxidation number of Cl)} + \text{(total oxidation number of O)}
\]
\[
1 + x + 3(-2) = 0
\]
\[
1 + x - 6 = 0
\]
\[
x - 5 = 0
\]
\[
x = +5
\]

So, the oxidation numbers in KClO₃ are:
- K: +1
- Cl: +5
- O: -2