Question

The sum of the oxidation numbers of all atoms in a polyatomic ion will always be equal to ________. A. one B. zero C. the charge of that ion D. the charge of that ion multiplied by -1

Answer 1

C 
The sum of the oxidation numbers of the atoms in a polyatomic ion will always equal the charge of that ion 

Answer 2

Answer:

the charge of the ion

Explanation:

For example, in SO2−4, the oxidation numbers of S and O are +6 and −2, respectively. The sum of all oxidation numbers in the sulfate ion would be 1(+6)+4(−2)=−2, which is the charge of the ion.