In KMnO4, assign oxidation states to K, Mn, and O.

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Multiple Choice

In KMnO4, assign oxidation states to K, Mn, and O.

Explanation:
Oxidation states are assigned by balancing charges with simple rules: potassium, as an alkali metal, is almost always +1 in compounds; oxygen is usually -2 in oxides; the sum of all oxidation states must equal the overall charge of the species. KMnO4 is neutral, and there are four oxygens contributing -2 each, for a total of -8. Let manganese have oxidation state x. Then +1 (K) + x + (-8) = 0, so x = +7. Therefore K is +1, Mn is +7, and O is -2. This also aligns with manganese in permanganate having the +7 state.

Oxidation states are assigned by balancing charges with simple rules: potassium, as an alkali metal, is almost always +1 in compounds; oxygen is usually -2 in oxides; the sum of all oxidation states must equal the overall charge of the species. KMnO4 is neutral, and there are four oxygens contributing -2 each, for a total of -8. Let manganese have oxidation state x. Then +1 (K) + x + (-8) = 0, so x = +7. Therefore K is +1, Mn is +7, and O is -2. This also aligns with manganese in permanganate having the +7 state.

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