what is the oxidation number in the following??

Question

a)NH+(upper)4(lower)

ammonium

oxidation number of N=????

b)OCl-

O=oxygen

Cl-=chloride

oxidation number of Cl-(chloride)=???

hope u all understand wat i asking..d formula maybe vry confused...hehe

Answer 1

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A Hydrogen ion always has an oxidation number of +1

Thus NH4+ => [N + (4x +1) ] = +1; Thus N = -3

An oxygen atom always has an oxidation state of -2

OCl- => -2+ Cl = -1; Thus Cl = +1

Answer 2

here's what i can remember from chem, hope this helps.

a) N + 4H = +1

N + 4(1) = 1

N = -3

b) O + Cl = -1

-2 + Cl = -1

Cl = 1

Answer 3

I think it's 1 for N and 8 for Cl- but could be wrong

Answer 4

a) -3

b)+1