Question icon
11 grade chemistry others

What is the oxidation state of Pb in PbO₂?

Profile image of Aniket Singh
11 Months agoGrade
Answers icon

1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer11 Months ago

The oxidation state of lead (Pb) in lead dioxide (PbO₂) can be determined by analyzing the compound's composition.

Analyzing the Compound

In PbO₂, there are two oxygen atoms. Oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.

Calculating the Total Charge

  • For two oxygen atoms: 2 × (-2) = -4

Finding the Oxidation State of Lead

Let the oxidation state of lead be represented as x. The overall charge of the compound is neutral (0), so we can set up the equation:

x + (-4) = 0

Solving for x

By rearranging the equation, we find:

x = +4

Final Result

Thus, the oxidation state of lead in PbO₂ is +4.