Question

What is the oxidation number of Mg in ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}$?

Answer 1

Oxidation number:

• Oxidation number denotes the oxidation state of an element in a compound ascertained according to a set of rules formulated on the basis that electron pair in a covalent bond belongs entirely to a more electronegative element.
• The oxidation number of simple ions is equal to the charge present on them.

Oxidation number of Mg in ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}$:

• The charge on ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}$ is $+2$.
• So, the oxidation number of ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}$ is $+2$.