Question #2f07a

1 Answer
Brad D.
Mar 9, 2015

Look at the nonmetal they are bonded to.

Whatever the oxidation number is on the nonmetal, the transition metal should equal it so that it can be neutralized.

For example, look at #PbSO_4#.
#SO_4# is a polyatomic ion called sulfate. It carries a 2- charge meaning lead must carry a 2+ charge to neutralize the charge on sulfate. We know that because there is only a single atom of lead and a single molecule of sulfate.

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