Question

Oxidation number of xenon in $XeO{F}_2$ is___________.

• A. Zero
• B. $2$
• C. $4$
• D. $3$

Answer 1

The correct option is A Zero

$XeO{F}_2$ can be written as $XeO{F}_2$ Let the oxidation number of $Xe$ in $XeO{F}_2$ be x. The oxidation states of $O$ and $F$ are +2 and -1 respectively

(The oxidation state of $O$ in $O{ F }_{ 2 }$ is +2 (exception case) as fluorine is most electronegative element with oxidation state of -1 (to keep the atoms neutral here). Since the atom as whole is neutral, following equation holds true:

$1\times \left(x\right)+1\times (+2)+2\times (-1)=0⟹x+2-2=0⟹x=0$

Hence, answer is A.