Understanding Oxidation Numbers
* Oxidation numbers are a way to keep track of electrons in a compound.
* They represent the hypothetical charge an atom would have if all bonds were ionic.
* The sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound must equal zero.
Steps
1. Known Oxidation Numbers:
* Potassium (K) always has an oxidation number of +1.
* Oxygen (O) usually has an oxidation number of -2 (except in peroxides).
2. Assign Variables:
* Let the oxidation number of manganese be "x".
3. Set up the Equation:
* (1) + x + 4(-2) = 0
* This equation represents the sum of oxidation numbers in KMnO₄ equaling zero.
4. Solve for x:
* 1 + x - 8 = 0
* x = +7
Therefore, the oxidation number of manganese (Mn) in KMnO₄ is +7.
