Chapter F, Problem K.4E

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Oxidation number of boron in ${\text{BF}}_{\text{4}}{}^{-}$ has to be found.

Concept Introduction:

Oxidation state of a species is the one that has a specified oxidation number.  Increase in oxidation number corresponds to oxidation while decrease in oxidation number corresponds to reduction.  Rules for assigning oxidation number for an element is given as follows;

• The oxidation number is zero for the element that is present in uncombined state.
• Sum of the oxidation number of the atoms that is present in it is equal to the charge on the species.
• Oxidation number of the element is the charge that is possessed when the more electronegative atom is imagined to be an ion.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Oxidation number of nitrogen in ${\text{NO}}_{\text{2}}{}^{-}$ has to be found.

Concept Introduction:

Refer part (a).

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Oxidation number of sulfur in ${\text{S}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{8}}{}^{2-}$ has to be found.

Concept Introduction:

Refer part (a).

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Oxidation number of vanadium in ${\text{VO}}^{\text{2+}}$ has to be found.

Concept Introduction:

Refer part (a).

(e)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Oxidation number of bromine in ${\text{BrF}}_{\text{2}}{}^{\text{+}}$ has to be found.

Concept Introduction:

Refer part (a).