Question

What is the oxidation number value of chlorine in $C{l}_2$?

• A. +1 for both the chlorine atoms
• B. 0 for both the chlorine atoms
• C. -1 for both the chlorine atoms
• D. +1 for one and -1 for another chlorine atom

Answer 1

The correct option is B 0 for both the chlorine atoms

In a homo-diatomic molecule, the oxidation number value of the element is considered zero. This is because of the equal nuclear force of attraction of the nucleus on the shared pair of electrons by both the atoms. Hence the electron pair is equally shared by the atoms.

Hence, the oxidation number of both the chlorine atoms in $C{l}_2$ is 0.