Solutions containing chlorate ( ) ions are used as household bleaches and disinfectants . These solutions decompose as shown . 3ClO^ - ClO 3 -+ 2Cl Which oxidation states are shown by chlorine in these three ions ? ClO 3 ^ - A +1 -1+1 -1+1 -1 +3 +3 +5+5 BD -1 + 1

Answer : The oxidation states of chlorine in these three ions ,  and  is, (+1), (+5) and (-1) respectively.

Explanation :

Oxidation number : It represent the number of electrons lost or gained by the atoms of an element in a compound.

Oxidation numbers are generally written with the sign (+) and (-) first and then the magnitude.

When the atoms are present in their elemental state then the oxidation number will be zero.

Rules for Oxidation Numbers :

The oxidation number of a free element is always zero.

The oxidation number of a monatomic ion equals the charge of the ion.

The oxidation number of  Hydrogen (H)  is +1, but it is -1 in when combined with less electronegative elements.

The oxidation number of  oxygen (O)  in compounds is usually -2, but it is -1 in peroxides.

The oxidation number of a Group 1 element in a compound is +1.

The oxidation number of a Group 2 element in a compound is +2.

The oxidation number of a Group 17 element in a binary compound is -1.

The sum of the oxidation numbers of all of the atoms in a neutral compound is zero.

The sum of the oxidation numbers in a polyatomic ion is equal to the charge of the ion.

The given ion is,

Let the oxidation state of 'Cl' be, 'x'

The oxidation number of chlorine in  is, (+1)

The given ion is,

Let the oxidation state of 'Cl' be, 'x'

The oxidation number of chlorine in  is, (+5)

The given ion is,

Let the oxidation state of 'Cl' be, 'x'

The oxidation number of chlorine in  is, (-1)