Question

The oxidation state of potassium in $KO_{2}$ is

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 1
• D. -1

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

1

Answer 2

The correct answer is C:1
The oxidation state of oxygen is $-\frac{1}{2}$
Since there are two oxygen, the total oxidation state is $2 \times -\frac{1}{2}$ that is -1
And as the compound is neutral to balance the charge the oxidation state of K should be +1