The oxidation states of the most electronegative elements in the products of the reaction between `BaO_(2)` and `H_(2)SO_(4)` are

Options

A. 0 and -1
B. `-1 and -2`
C. `-2 and 0`
D. `-2 and +1`

Answer

To determine the oxidation states of the most electronegative elements in the products of the reaction between barium peroxide (BaO₂) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Products of the Reaction
When barium peroxide (BaO₂) reacts with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), the products formed are barium sulfate (BaSO₄) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).

### Step 2: Identify the Most Electronegative Element
In the products, the most electronegative element is oxygen (O). We need to find its oxidation state in both products.

### Step 3: Determine the Oxidation State of Oxygen in BaSO₄
In barium sulfate (BaSO₄):
- Barium (Ba) has an oxidation state of +2.
- The sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻) has a total charge of -2.
- The sulfate ion consists of one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms.

To find the oxidation state of oxygen:
- Let the oxidation state of oxygen be -2 (which is typical for oxygen).
- The equation for the sulfate ion can be set up as follows:
\[ \text{Oxidation state of S} + 4 \times (\text{Oxidation state of O}) = -2 \]
Let the oxidation state of sulfur be \( y \):
\[ y + 4(-2) = -2 \implies y - 8 = -2 \implies y = +6 \]
- Thus, the oxidation state of oxygen in BaSO₄ is -2.

### Step 4: Determine the Oxidation State of Oxygen in H₂O₂
In hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂):
- Let the oxidation state of oxygen be \( x \).
- The oxidation state of hydrogen (H) is +1.
- The equation for the compound can be set up as follows:
\[ 2 \times (\text{Oxidation state of H}) + 2 \times (\text{Oxidation state of O}) = 0 \]
\[ 2(+1) + 2x = 0 \implies 2 + 2x = 0 \implies 2x = -2 \implies x = -1 \]
- Thus, the oxidation state of oxygen in H₂O₂ is -1.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The oxidation states of the most electronegative element (oxygen) in the products are:
- In BaSO₄: -2
- In H₂O₂: -1

### Final Answer
The oxidation states of the most electronegative elements in the products of the reaction between BaO₂ and H₂SO₄ are -2 (in BaSO₄) and -1 (in H₂O₂).

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