Oxidation number of O in `H_(2)O_(2)` will be

Options

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

Answer

To find the oxidation number of oxygen in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Chemical Formula**:
The chemical formula for hydrogen peroxide is H₂O₂.

2. **Understand the Composition**:
In H₂O₂, there are two hydrogen (H) atoms and two oxygen (O) atoms.

3. **Assign Oxidation Numbers**:
- The oxidation number of hydrogen (H) is generally +1.
- Let the oxidation number of oxygen be represented as \( x \).

4. **Set Up the Equation**:
The overall charge of the molecule is neutral (0). Therefore, we can set up the equation based on the sum of oxidation numbers:
\[ 2(+1) + 2(x) = 0 \]
This simplifies to:
\[ 2 + 2x = 0 \]

5. **Solve for \( x \)**:
Rearranging the equation gives:
\[ 2x = -2 \]
Dividing both sides by 2:
\[ x = -1 \]

6. **Conclusion**:
The oxidation number of each oxygen atom in H₂O₂ is -1.

### Final Answer:
The oxidation number of oxygen in H₂O₂ is -1.

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