Chapter 18.2, Problem 1CT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

What if oxidation state for oxygen was defined as $-1$ instead of $-2$ and what effect would it have on the oxidation state of hydrogen should be discussed?

Concept Introduction:

According to the rules for assigning oxidation states, oxidation state of oxygen in covalent compounds is assigned to be $-2$. But there may be exceptions in compounds like peroxides, O₂ ^2-, in which oxidation state of each oxygen is assigned as $-1$. And in covalent compounds with nonmetals, oxidation state of hydrogen is considered as $+1$.