Question

Question #8530d

Answer 1

`SnCl_4-> Sn = +4, and Cl = -1`
`PbCl_4->Pb = +4 and Cl = -1`

Explanation:

Before getting started, take a look at this website for general rules for assigning oxidation numbers to atoms. Rules for Assigning Oxidation Numbers

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`color(blue)"Step 1: Assign oxidation numbers for each atom. Multiply oxidation number by the number of atoms."`

`SnCl_4`

• `Sn->"x" ("unknown")`
• `Cl_4->-1*(4)`

`color(blue)"Step 2: Set up an equation to solve for the unknown."`

For polyatomic ions, the equation would be equal to the charge.
For neutral compounds and molecules, set equation equal to `0`

`color(white)(aaaa)Sn->"x" ("unknown")color(white)(aaaa)Cl_4->-1*(4)`

• `"x" + (-4) = 0`
• `"x" - 4 = 0`
• `"x" = +4`

`x =+4-> color(magenta)"Sn = +4"`

The oxidation numbers for each atom in `SnCl_4` would be `Sn = +4, and Cl = -1`

You would repeat the same steps to solve for the oxidation number for `"Pb"` in `PbCl_4`. If you did the steps correctly, the oxidation number for `Pb` would also be `+4` and `Cl` would have an oxidation number of `-1`.