How to find the Oxidation Number for O in KO2 (Potassium superoxide)

To find the correct oxidation state of O in KO2 (Potassium superoxide), and each element in the compound, we use a few rules and some simple math. First, since the KO2 doesn’t have an overall charge (like NO3- or H3O+) we could say that the total of the oxidation numbers for KO2 will be zero since it is a neutral compound. We write the oxidation number (O.N.) for elements that we know and use these to figure out oxidation number for O. --------- RESOURCES How to Find Oxidation Numbers (rules and examples): https://youtu.be/iSAwDJTLIKY Oxidation Numbers Practice: https://youtu.be/hTjSNTOUcBQ ---------- GENERAL RULES Free elements have an oxidation state of zero (e.g. Na, Fe, H2, O2, S8). In an ion the all Oxidation numbers must add up to the charge on the ion. In a neutral compound all Oxidation Numbers must add up to zero. Group 1 = +1 Group 2 = +2 Hydrogen with Non-Metals = +1 Hydrogen with Metals (or Boron) = -1 Fluorine = -1 Oxygen = -2 (except in H2O2 or with Fluorine) Group 17(7A) = -1 except with Oxygen and other halogens lower in the group ----------