What is the oxidation number of oxygen in oxide peroxide and superoxide

Explanation:

The oxidation number of an atom is defined as the charge than an atom acquires or seems to have when it forms an ionic bond with other heteroatoms.

The formula for oxide is O^2-  and hence, the oxidation number of O in oxide is -2.

The formula for peroxide is O₂^2- , thus, -2 charge is distributed over 2 oxygen atoms and hence, oxidation number on each O in peroxide is (-2/2)=-1

The formula for superoxide is O₂^-1 , thus, a single negative charge is distributed over 2 oxygen atoms and hence, the oxidation number on each O in superoxide is -1/2

Final Answer:

Hence, the oxidation number of oxygen in oxide, peroxide and superoxide is -2, -1 and -1/2 respectively.