2006-11-24 08:09:32 · 3 answers · asked by Science Suzie 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Cl = +5, O = -2. O is always -2 except in peroxides like H2O2, where it is -1. So 3 x -2 = -6, and the charge on ClO3- is -1, so only Cl = +5.
2006-11-24 08:24:26 · answer #1 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In an ionic compound, the sum of all the charged particles that make it up must be zero. Compounds are neutral.
EX: Mg+2 combines with 2 Cl- ions to form MgCl2 Note the sum of the charges is zero.
A polyatomic ion like chlorate (in your question) is similar but the overall charge must equal the charge of the ion, in this case, -1
So go with what is known...oxygen's charge is almost always -2 (with a few exceptions). Since there are 3 of them in the formula for chlorate, that equals (-2x3)= -6
To balance out the total charge of the oxygen atoms, the chlorine must be +5... +5 + -6 = -1 overall charge.
If chlorate were a neutral compound, then the charge of the chlorine would have to be +6.
Good luck!
2006-11-24 17:52:43 · answer #2 · answered by john b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
+5 is the oxidation state of chlorine in ClO3
2006-11-25 03:50:52 · answer #3 · answered by jedi Knight 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋