Hydrogen can exhibit multiple oxidation states depending on the nature of the element it bonds with. — Hydrogen Chemistry Question
Question
Hydrogen can exhibit multiple oxidation states depending on the nature of the element it bonds with. What is the sum of all the possible oxidation states exhibited by hydrogen in its stable compounds and elemental state?
Answer: 0
💡 Solution & Explanation
Hydrogen exhibits a $+1$ oxidation state in compounds with more electronegative elements (like $HCl$), a $-1$ oxidation state in metal hydrides (like $NaH$), and a $0$ oxidation state in its elemental form ($H_2$). The sum is $(+1) + (-1) + 0 = 0$.
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