1. Understand Oxidation States

* Oxidation state (or oxidation number) is a hypothetical charge that an atom would have if all its bonds were 100% ionic.

* Valence charge is the charge that an atom has in a particular compound.

2. Determine the Oxidation States of Known Elements

* Potassium (K) always has an oxidation state of +1 in its compounds.

* Oxygen (O) usually has an oxidation state of -2, except in peroxides where it's -1.

3. Set Up an Equation

Let "x" be the oxidation state of iodine (I). The sum of the oxidation states in a neutral compound must equal zero.

* K (+1) + I (x) + O₂ (-2 x 2) = 0

* 1 + x - 4 = 0

4. Solve for the Oxidation State of Iodine

* x - 3 = 0

* x = +3

5. Conclusion

The oxidation state of iodine (I) in KIO₂ is +3. Since the oxidation state is the same as the valence charge in this case, the valence charge of iodine in KIO₂ is also +3.