General chemistry : i dont understand oxidation states

Question

determine the oxidation state of this molecule:

HNO2

.... ?

Answer 1

the nerd knows what shes talking about :)

Answer 2

Hi :)

There are a few rules to remember that might help you:

Group 1 metals always +1  

Group 2 metals always +2  

Oxygen usually -2 except in peroxides and F2O  

Hydrogen usually +1 except in metal hydrides where it is -1

Fluorine always -1  

Chlorine usually -1 except in compounds with O or F

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So, we know here that the O has a -2 charge.  We have two O, so the total charge on the O is -4

The charge on the H is #1

Therefore, for charge balance, the charge on the N is +3

O = -4

N = +3

H = +1

so, that the total compound, HNO2, charge = 0  

It is neutral.

Hope this helps.

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Funny that you say that, because there's something wrong with my air conditioner (it blows hot air) so it's about 89 degrees in my house.  I am hot :P

I hope you understand; feel free to shoot me an email if not.