What is the chemical formula for lead (IV) oxide?

1 Answer
Jun 11, 2017

#"PbO"_2#

Explanation:

This is also sometimes called lead dioxide.

The (IV) indicates that lead is in the #4+# oxidation state in this compound. Since oxygen almost always has an oxidation state of #2-#, we use simple mathematics to yield a net oxidation state of #0#:

#overbrace((4))^"Pb" + overbrace((x)(-2))^"O" = 0#

#x = color(red)(2#

There is thus one lead atom and two oxygen atoms per compound of lead(IV) oxide.

#"PbO"_(color(red)(2#