WorkPatch 10.2 had you assign oxidation states to the oxygen atoms in ozone. The answer was –1 and 0 for the terminal (end) oxygen atoms and +1 for the central oxygen atom. But now, a student claims the oxidation states are +1 for the central oxygen atom and –1/2 for the terminal oxygen atoms. He is also right. Explain why.

Data from WorkPatch 10.2

Assign oxidation states for all the oxygen atoms in ozone, O₃, using this rule: When two atoms of the same element (and therefore of identical electronegativity) share electrons, the oxidation-state method of electron bookkeeping divides the electrons equally between the atoms. To do the WorkPatch, you’ll need a dot diagram:

Transcribed Image Text:

Ö=0—0: