Question

Assertion :The oxidation state of oxygen in $O{F}_2$ and $N{a}_{2}O$ is +2 and -2 respectively. Reason: Oxygen is an electronegative element.

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
• D. Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect

Answer 1

The correct option is B Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion

The electronegativity order of three elements involved in these compounds is $F>O>Na$. Hence in $O{F}_2$ molecule, $F$ is more electronegative than $O$, element $F$ is given oxidation state -1 and thus, $O$ shows +2 oxidation state. On the other hand, in $N{a}_{2}O$, $O$ is more electronegative than $Na$, hence, $Na$ is given +1 oxidation state and $O$ shows oxidation state -2.