Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

What is the oxidation state of fluorine in compounds?

1. +2

2. -1

3. 0

4. +1

The correct answer is: -1

Fluorine has an oxidation state of -1 in all of its compounds. This is due to its high electronegativity, which allows it to attract electrons more effectively than most other elements. In compounds, fluorine tends to gain one electron to achieve a full outer shell, resulting in a -1 charge. This characteristic is consistent across various chemical environments, whether fluorine is bound to metals or nonmetals. The tendency of fluorine to adopt this oxidation state makes it unique among the halogens, as it is the most electronegative element and does not exist in higher positive oxidation states in compounds. This consistent -1 oxidation state is fundamental in understanding how fluorine reacts chemically and interacts with other elements.