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  4. The oxidation state of potassium in KO2 is

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Q. The oxidation state of potassium in $KO_{2}$ is

AMUAMU 2015Redox Reactions

Solution:

In oxidation state, group (l) metals (alkali metals) such as potassium always have oxidation state $+1$. The $O_{2}^{-}$ion is called a superoxide anion and its overall oxidation state is $-1$. Each oxygen atom contributes equally to overall oxidation state, so the oxidation state of each individual oxygen is $-0.5$. The compound is called potassium superoxide.