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11 grade chemistry others

What is the oxidation number for lead in PbCl2 ?

Profile image of Aniket Singh
1 Year agoGrade
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1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
1 Year ago

To find the oxidation number of lead (Pb) in PbCl2, we'll start by considering that chlorine (Cl) typically has an oxidation number of -1 in compounds. Since there are two chlorine atoms in PbCl2, their total oxidation number is -2 (-1 x 2 = -2).

The sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is always zero. So, let x be the oxidation number of lead (Pb). The equation would be:

x + (-2) = 0

Solving for x:

x = +2

So, the oxidation number of lead (Pb) in PbCl2 is +2.