Oxidation state of potassium in K2O, K2O2 & KO2 are respectively

Options

A. `+1, +1, +1`
B. `+1, +2, +4`
C. `+1, +2, +2`
D. `+1, +4, +2`

Answer

To determine the oxidation states of potassium (K) in the compounds K2O, K2O2, and KO2, we will analyze each compound step by step.

### Step 1: Determine the oxidation state of K in K2O
1. **Identify the oxidation state of oxygen (O)**: In K2O, oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.
2. **Set up the equation**: The compound is neutral, so the sum of the oxidation states must equal 0.
- Let the oxidation state of K be x.
- The equation is: 2x + (-2) = 0.
3. **Solve for x**:
- 2x - 2 = 0
- 2x = 2
- x = +1.

**Oxidation state of K in K2O is +1.**

### Step 2: Determine the oxidation state of K in K2O2
1. **Identify the oxidation state of oxygen (O)**: In K2O2 (a peroxide), each oxygen has an oxidation state of -1.
2. **Set up the equation**: The compound is neutral, so the sum of the oxidation states must equal 0.
- Let the oxidation state of K be x.
- The equation is: 2x + 2(-1) = 0.
3. **Solve for x**:
- 2x - 2 = 0
- 2x = 2
- x = +1.

**Oxidation state of K in K2O2 is +1.**

### Step 3: Determine the oxidation state of K in KO2
1. **Identify the oxidation state of oxygen (O)**: In KO2 (a superoxide), each oxygen has an oxidation state of -1/2.
2. **Set up the equation**: The compound is neutral, so the sum of the oxidation states must equal 0.
- Let the oxidation state of K be x.
- The equation is: x + 2(-1/2) = 0.
3. **Solve for x**:
- x - 1 = 0
- x = +1.

**Oxidation state of K in KO2 is +1.**

### Summary of Results
- Oxidation state of K in K2O: +1
- Oxidation state of K in K2O2: +1
- Oxidation state of K in KO2: +1

### Final Answer
The oxidation states of potassium in K2O, K2O2, and KO2 are respectively +1, +1, and +1.