Chemistry-Oxidation Number

NEET Chemistry Oxidation Number MCQ Question

Type: MCQ-conceptual-Easy-Class 11

Which of the following statements about oxidation numbers is correct?

A

The sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound must equal zero.

B

Nonmetals can only have positive oxidation numbers.

C

The oxidation number of an element in its elemental state is always +1.

D

The oxidation number of all atoms in a polyatomic ion equals the charge of the ion.

Correct Answer

Option A

Detailed Explanation

The sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound must equal zero, as stated in the NCERT context. Nonmetals can have both positive and negative oxidation numbers, and the oxidation number of an element in its elemental state is zero, not +1. The algebraic sum of oxidation numbers in a polyatomic ion must equal the charge of the ion, but this is not what option D states.

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