Study for the Medical Chemistry Test. Explore multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready with engaging quizzes and comprehensive study materials.

Multiple Choice

Copper has an oxidation number of what in CuBr?

In this compound, the oxidation state is found by balancing charges in a neutral molecule. Bromine almost always carries -1. Let the oxidation state of copper be x. Then x + (-1) = 0, so x = +1. Therefore copper is in the +1 oxidation state in CuBr. The +2 state would occur in copper(II) bromide, CuBr2, where two bromides balance a +2 copper.

In this compound, the oxidation state is found by balancing charges in a neutral molecule. Bromine almost always carries -1. Let the oxidation state of copper be x. Then x + (-1) = 0, so x = +1. Therefore copper is in the +1 oxidation state in CuBr. The +2 state would occur in copper(II) bromide, CuBr2, where two bromides balance a +2 copper.