Question

Oxidation number of oxygen in hydrogen peroxide is .

• A. -1
• B. -2
• C. 1

Answer 1

The correct option is A -1

The oxidation state of oxygen in most of the compounds is -2 except in peroxides.

For neutral compounds, sum of the oxidation numbers should be zero. The oxidation number of hydrogen is +1. Let's assume the oxidation number of oxygen as '$\text{x}$'.

For hydrogen peroxide $\left({\text{H}}_2{\text{O}}_2\right)$,
(2$\times$1) + (2$\times$ $\text{x}$) = 0$⟹$$\text{x}$ = -1
Hence, the oxidation number of oxygen in ${\text{H}}_2{\text{O}}_2$ is -1.