What is the chemical formula of copper oxide?

1 Answer
Truong-Son N.
Jul 21, 2017

Well... you'll have to specify the oxidation state of copper. Is it #+1# or #+2#? Is it copper(I) or copper (II)? Your pick.

Depending on your choice, it may be #"CuO"# or #"Cu"_2"O"#... Which one is which, if oxygen in this compound, the oxide anion #"O"^(2-)#, has an oxidation state of #-2#?

If you do not know, you should be able to google the chemical formula in this modern day and age. (If you are extra attentive, you may even click the chemical formulas themselves up above.)

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