What is the sum of oxidation numbers for a neutral compound?

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Multiple Choice

What is the sum of oxidation numbers for a neutral compound?

Explanation:
Oxidation numbers are bookkeeping charges assigned to atoms so that the total reflects the molecule’s overall charge. In a neutral compound, there is no net charge, so the oxidation numbers must add up to zero. For example, in water, hydrogen is +1 on each hydrogen (total +2) and oxygen is -2, giving +2 + (-2) = 0. This same balance holds for any neutral molecule. If the species were an ion, the sum would equal that ion’s charge, but for a neutral compound, the sum is zero.

Oxidation numbers are bookkeeping charges assigned to atoms so that the total reflects the molecule’s overall charge. In a neutral compound, there is no net charge, so the oxidation numbers must add up to zero. For example, in water, hydrogen is +1 on each hydrogen (total +2) and oxygen is -2, giving +2 + (-2) = 0. This same balance holds for any neutral molecule. If the species were an ion, the sum would equal that ion’s charge, but for a neutral compound, the sum is zero.

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