What is the sum of oxidation numbers of various elements in `HCO_(3)^(ө)` (bicarbonate) ion?

Explanation

To find the sum of oxidation numbers of various elements in the bicarbonate ion \( HCO_3^- \), we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the elements in the bicarbonate ion
The bicarbonate ion consists of the following elements:
- Hydrogen (H)
- Carbon (C)
- Oxygen (O)

### Step 2: Assign oxidation numbers to each element
1. **Hydrogen (H)**: The oxidation number of hydrogen is typically +1.
2. **Carbon (C)**: In bicarbonate, the oxidation number of carbon is +4.
3. **Oxygen (O)**: The oxidation number of oxygen is typically -2. Since there are three oxygen atoms in the bicarbonate ion, we will multiply the oxidation number of oxygen by 3.

### Step 3: Calculate the total oxidation number for oxygen
The total oxidation number for the three oxygen atoms is:
\[ \text{Total for O} = 3 \times (-2) = -6 \]

### Step 4: Sum the oxidation numbers
Now, we will sum the oxidation numbers of all the elements:
\[ \text{Sum} = (\text{Oxidation number of H}) + (\text{Oxidation number of C}) + (\text{Total for O}) \]
Substituting the values:
\[ \text{Sum} = (+1) + (+4) + (-6) \]

### Step 5: Simplify the expression
Now, we simplify the sum:
\[ \text{Sum} = 1 + 4 - 6 = -1 \]

### Conclusion
The sum of oxidation numbers of various elements in the bicarbonate ion \( HCO_3^- \) is \(-1\).

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