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QUESTION

# What is the oxidation state of chlorine in KClO3?

+5

Excellent question! I love oxidation state questions.

First, let's look at the "K" (potassium). In an ionic compound, the potassium's oxidation state is always +1.

Next, let's look at the chlorate , "ClO"_3^-. The charge on the polyatomic ion is -1. You may be asking yourself, how do I know its charge will be -1?

Since the entire compound "KClO"_3 has a charge of 0 and the "K" will have a charge of +1, the "ClO"_3 must balance the "K"'s +1 in the form of -1 for a net charge of 0.

When oxygen is with another element that is less electronegative than it is, the charge on the oxygen is -2. There are 3 oxygen atoms in the chlorate ion, for a total of -6 charge on the total of the 3 oxygen atoms.

Thus, "charge of Cl" +(-6)=-1. That means that the charge on chlorine in potassium chlorate is +5.

Have a great day!!