Problem 496. Oxidation State

  • In some chemical compounds, the oxidation state of each atom of hydrogen H is +1.
  • In some chemical compounds, the oxidation state of each atom of oxygen O is -2.
  • The algebraic sum of oxidation states of all atoms in a neutral molecule must be zero.
  • Given a string such as 'sulphuric acid H2SO4', the final token represents the chemical formula of a neutral moledule. This molecule has two atoms of hydrogen, one atom of sulphur and four atoms of oxygen. In this case the oxidation state of sulphur is six, 0-(2*1+4*-2).
  • Another string may be 'sodium hydroxide NaOH'. This molecule has one atom of sodium, one atom of oxygen, and, one atom of hydrogen. In this case, the oxidation state of sodium is one, 0-(-2+1).
  • Each element is denoted by one upper case letter, followed by one or none lower case letter, followed by the number of atoms present, no number means one atom.
  • Assuming above, please find the oxidation state of one atom of the new element in the given formula.
  • Here is a link for additional information and exceptions to these simple rules: Oxidation State.
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25.32% Correct | 74.68% Incorrect
Last Solution submitted on Dec 16, 2025

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