Assign an oxidation number to each atom in the following compound.?

Question

Assign an oxidation number to each atom in the following compound.


PbO2

Answer Format:


For KMnO4 the correct answer would be +1 +7 -2 for the elements K Mn and O respectivley.


That is, you must type in the oxidation numbers for each element in the compound
(reading from left to right)

Put one and only one space between each oxidation number, and include the sigh + or -,
as in the example answer format above

Answer 1

start with the O... they are always -2
since there are 2, and the compound must balance...
Pb must be +4

so you get +4 -2

Answer 2

oxygen is always -2 (except in peroxides and this isn't a peroxide)

Since there are 2 oxygen the total negative charge on the compound is -4.

Since compounds are neutral the total positive charge of the compound is +4 and belongs to the Pb

Answer 3

Cl = -1 Cu = +2