Question

Determine the oxidation state of the underlined element in $\underset{–}{O}{F}_2$.

• A. $+4$
• B. $+3$
• C. $+2$
• D. $+5$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $+2$

Let $x$ be the oxidation number of O in $O{F}_2$.
The oxidation numbers of F is $-1$.
Since the overall charge on the complex is $0$, the sum of oxidation states of all elements in it should be equal to $0$.
Therefore, $x+2(-1)=0$
$x-2=0$
$x=+2$
Hence, the oxidation number of O in $O{F}_2$ is $+2$.