Question

Oxidation number of $Fe$ in $F{e}_3{O}_4$ is:

• A. $\frac{1}{2}$
• B. $\frac{2}{6}$
• C. $\frac{8}{3}$
• D. $\frac{3}{2}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$\frac{8}{3}$

Let the average oxidation number of $Fe$ in $F{e}_3{O}_4$ be $x$

Since the net charge on the molecule is zero,

$\Rightarrow 3\times x+(-2)\times 4=0$

$\Rightarrow x=\frac{8}{3}$