To determine the oxidation state of Cl in HClO3, we need to consider the charges of the other atoms and the overall charge of the molecule. Here's the step-by-step calculation:
1. Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2, and there are three oxygen atoms in HClO3. So, the total contribution from oxygen is 3 * (-2) = -6.
2. Hydrogen (H) has an oxidation state of +1. Since there is one hydrogen atom in HClO3, its contribution is +1.
3. Let x be the oxidation state of chlorine (Cl) in HClO3.
4. The overall charge of HClO3 is neutral, meaning the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in the molecule must be zero.
We can set up the equation:
x + (-6) + (+1) = 0
Solving for x:
x = +5
Therefore, the oxidation state of chlorine (Cl) in HClO3 is +5.
